Last updated: Feb. 5, 2021
All youth should have access to mental health support – wherever they live
Growing up can be a struggle at the best of times. For too many kids, it’s riddled with moments of feeling anxious, alone, and overwhelmed.
Sadly, these moments often happen through the night, when access to help is limited. In fact, according to Kids Help Phone, last month alone, 59% of texting conversations about self-harm happen between the hours of 8 pm and 4 am.
For over 30 years, Kids Help Phone has provided Canada’s only bilingual, 24/7 service that offers professional counselling information and referrals. They help youth by phone, text, messenger, or on their website – no matter where they live.
This ability to help kids in remote places, at any time, is exactly why FBC CEO and President Steve Ibbotson is proud to support Kids Help Phone every year.
With so many of FBC’s Members, customers and staff living in rural or small communities, Ibbotson knows access to this kind of mental health support and resources can be really limited, especially for young people.
“It’s that ability to reach into a community – remote, rural, or urban – that makes Kids Help Phone so valuable,” said Ibbotson.
“It doesn’t matter where they are or what they are dealing with – vulnerable kids who may have nowhere else to turn can get help using the tools or technology they are most comfortable with.”
If there was ever a time when Kids Help Phone could use extra support, the year Covid-19 emerged was it. Last year, the charity clocked over 4.5 million interactions with young people, compared to just 1.9 million in 2019.
“We are on the virtual frontline of e-mental health provision,” said Carolina Bejarano, Kids Help Phone Community Partnership Development Officer for the Mid-West Region. “We hear every day what young people are struggling with – the fears they have, the pain they’re experiencing, and most importantly, what brings them hope.”
Kids Help Phone is known for ensuring their life-changing services are scalable, innovative and ever changing to keep up with growing needs – serving more and more young people each day.
Bejarano emphasizes that the charity can only continue to be there for young people in Canada, thanks to its generous donors.
FBC’s $60,000 contribution will go a long way to supporting the 3,000 youth that visit their website every single day.
“Kids Help Phone is right there ready to listen and help,” said Ibbotson. “It’s an exceptional cause and an organization that matches our values, our philosophy, and frankly, the way we do business.
Learn More About Kids Help Phone