Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Saskatchewan announced the introduction of CMHA’s BounceBack program to Saskatchewan residents that was possible after a donation from Bell Let’s Talk.
“CMHA Saskatchewan is so proud to provide this new service when so many people are struggling with their mental health. COVID-19 is here now, but the mental health impacts will last long after the pandemic is over. BounceBack can unlock the door to new skills and a better quality of life,” said Phyllis O’Connor, executive director, CMHA Saskatchewan.
BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program effective in helping adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and a selection of skill-building workbooks to choose from, participants can customize their own program, learn ways to overcome their symptoms and improve their mental well being now and in future.
“It is really exciting that the BounceBack program is now available in Saskatchewan,” said Tasha Collins, program director of the Weyburn CMHA office. “BounceBack is another resource and tool that will be available to help everyone to care for their mental health. It will be a benefit to our province and our residents.”
Based on cognitive behavioural therapy, BounceBack has been shown to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms by 50 per cent at program completion. The donation from Bell Let’s Talk has enabled CMHA to leverage existing expertise in BC, Ontario and Manitoba, where the program is already funded by governments and donors, to expand the impact of this evidence-based program to more Canadians.
Available to residents in English and French, the program is free to all participants and will be delivered by coaches who are extensively trained and overseen by clinical psychologists. Participants can be referred by a primary care provider or choose to self-refer as long as they’re connected with a primary care provider, giving Canadians more choice in accessing support from home.
Bell Let’s Talk funding has supported the creation of a national website and toll-free number where Canadians can learn about BounceBack and find out whether it is right for them. For Saskatchewan residents interested in registering for the program, please visit cmha.ca/BounceBack.
