New online support system launched on World Mental Health Day
Posted Oct 10, 2017 02:09:25 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Today is World Mental Health Day, and in order to take steps towards making support more available, the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington has launched a new online system.
“Big White Wall is a web based platform, or site, where you can access all sorts of supports, resources, information on mental health. You can also access live counselling on Big White Wall as well,” explains Executive Director Fred Wagner.
He adds that hopefully, this will mean less time sitting on a waiting list.
“You may still need to see somebody for individual counselling, but in the meantime, you’re getting some really good information and learning some tools and techniques that can help you if you’re depressed or have got anxiety.”
The program has 24/7 peer and professional support, as well as self-manage tools, including guided therapeutic groups and self-directed workshops.
Big White Wall was developed in the United Kingdom, and has been implemented in both Australia and New Zealand. CMHA Waterloo Wellington is one of the first areas in Ontario to implement the program.
“The research that we’ve read in terms of how it’s been used in the U.K, and it’s success over there has been quite encouraging, so hopefully, we will have the same kind of results here where people can access that in the privacy of their own home, and hopefully we’ll also reduce the amount of time that people have to wait for help as well.”
