A program providing mental health resources by phone is receiving a boost from the J & W Murphy Foundation.

ICAN, a telephone consultation program run by the Strongest Families Institute, is being funded to the tune of $230,000. ICAN is an eight-week program that provides weekly telephone calls with a coach to help support people through their depression and anxiety.

The money will provide free access to mental health counselling for close to 200 people over the next two years. President and CEO of the Strongest Families Institute Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie says after three years of living under the spectre of a pandemic people need a place to talk about their experiences, especially those aged 18-25.

“And what we're seeing is anxiety and depression are really impairing people, especially our emerging adults and those communities who may be underserved," said Pottie. "They're not gaining timely access to really evidence-based services, effective services that can help equip them with these types of skills to really conquer these problems.”

The ICAN program offers strategies to help deal with depression and anxiety. Pottie offered an example of a simple tip to help manage those issues.

“Mental health and well-being is such an important part of our general health and it’s so important take time for yourself. So, I'm always about Dr. Trish tips; make sure you schedule self-care for yourself every single day even if it's only 10 minutes, take 10 for yourself," said Pottie.

Anyone interested in participating in the ICAN program can self-refer by calling 1-866-470-7111 or through the Strongest Families Institute website.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

To listen to the broadcast of this story, press play below.