York Region front-line workers offered free telephone counselling

Thestar.com
Nov. 5, 2021

Frontline health care and social service workers who live or work in York Region are being offered free telephone counselling support, thanks to the Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS), and funded in partnership with the Regional Municipality of York.

“Hearing continual reports about front-line workers who are dealing with helplessness, burnout and psychological stress, we knew we needed to find a way to step in and help,” said Jun Maranan, director of services at CMHA-YRSS. “Front-line workers have worked tirelessly to support others during the pandemic; now we hope they will reach out so we can be there for them.”

A press release further explains the need for this support, explaining that front-line health care and social service workers have had to deal with the worry of possibly bringing home COVID-19 to their families, leaving many no choice but to isolate in their own homes. “They also have had to contend with the trauma of patients, coworkers and clients falling prey to COVID-19 all around them. Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe is offering free telephone counselling support because it recognizes and has responded to the overwhelming reports of the devastating mental health impacts of COVID-19 on front line health care and social service workers.”

Front-line health care and social service workers looking for free, confidential support, can register for short-term telephone counselling (one to three sessions) by calling the CMHA-YRSS general phone line at 1-866-345-0183 or 905-841-3977, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From there, they will be connected with a counsellor, who will help them explore topics such as coping with feelings of depression, managing anxiety, exploring opportunities for change and more.

“We’re here for you,” Maranan said. “Don’t hesitate to connect with us.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Its vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. CMHA has branches across Ontario, and together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serves approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year. Last year, CMHA York Region and South Simcoe served more than 42,000 clients in York Region and South Simcoe. To find out more about the Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe, go to www.cmha-yr.on.ca.