Promising Practices

This podcast shines a light on two innovative programs in British Columbia: the First Nations Health Authority’s Doctor of the Day program, and Foundry Virtual, a comprehensive mental health and wellness resource for youth. These programs demonstrate what is possible when services are designed by and for the people they serve. Both programs are actively removing barriers to care by building better relationships between clients and their care providers and embracing digital innovation in service delivery.


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Indigenous-specific resources:

• KUU-US Crisis Response Services – call 1-800-588-8717 for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in BC; 
• Métis Crisis Line – call 1-833-638-4722; 
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line and Online Counselling Services – call 1-855-242-3310 or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca; 
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society – call 1-800-721-0066

Other resources:

• 310Mental Health Support – call 310-6789 in BC for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health; 
• Virtual supports during COVID-19 – visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports; 
• Foundry BC – visit foundrybc.ca

Learn how Newfoundland and Labrador’s award-winning Bridge the gapp initiative is providing helpful online resources and local connections to those looking for guidance and support related to mental wellness and substance use.  


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Resources:

• Bridge the Gapp – visit bridgethegapp.ca

New Brunswick’s award-winning Clinical Framework Model helps to provide better mental health services to young people with complex needs. It allows for a strategic approach where the intention is to identify the clinical interventions that best meet the needs of the young person and their family.


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Acadian-specific resources:

• Vitalité Health Network – visit vitalitenb.ca/en; 
• Maison Ted – call 1 877-450-3365; 
• Le Gouvernail – call 506-336-3990

Other resources:

• CHIMO Helpline – visit chimohelpline.ca or call 1 800-667-5005; 
• Therapeutic Foster Families – visit gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.10155.Children_s_Residential_Services_-_Foster_Homes.html; 
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service – call 1 833-456-4566; 
• Kids Help Phone – call 1 800-668-6868

Learn about healing programs being offered to the people of Nunavut. You will hear about the approaches Nunavut is taking to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health and addictions supports, as well as innovative ways to support those in need, especially among the youth.


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Indigenous-specific resources:

• Kamatsiatut HelpLine – call 1 800-265-3333; 
• We Matter – visit wemattercampaign.org

Other resources:

• Kids Help Phone – call 1-800-668-6868

Alberta’s person-centred approach addresses more than an individual’s mental health and addiction challenges. It’s about improving their quality of life by supporting balance and healing in all aspects of their health and wellness. The Alberta model is based on successful practices seen around the world.


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Addictions-specific resources:

• Addiction Helpline – call 1 866-332-2322

Other resources:

• Alberta Health Services – visit albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page16759.aspx; 
• Mental Health Helpline – call 1 877-303-2642

Learn about the Northwest Territories experience with On the Land Healing programs. Using a holistic approach that is focused on one’s connection to land, culture and tradition, these programs can have a lasting impact on a person’s journey to recover from substance use and mental health problems.


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Indigenous-specific resources:

• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation’s Project Jewel – Visit www.irc.inuvialuit.com/program/project-jewel or Contact Jimmy Ruttan, Manager, On-The-Land Wellness Programs at 867-777-7084 or [email protected]; Dehcho First Nations’ Journey to My Best Self Healing Program – Visit https://dehcho.org/news/30-day-land-healing-program/ or Contact Beth Hudson, Regional On The Land Coordinator at 867-695-2355 or [email protected]

Other resources:

• Visit the Northwest Territories Helpline website or call them at 1 800-661-0844

Learn about a unique initiative on Prince Edward Island. FarmersTalk is a call to action urging people in the Prince Edward Island farming community and beyond to open up about the challenges they face, to talk about mental health, and to reach out for help in order to reduce stigma and support resiliency.


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Resources for Farmers:

• Farmer’s Talk – visit farmerstalk.ca

Other resources:

• Island Helpline – call 1 800-218-2885

Québec is implementing a network of psychological health scouts throughout the province. Their team of 150 social and community workers will reach out to all of Québec, including the most vulnerable people in society to increase the resilience and adaptability of individuals and the community. The team members aim to gain the trust of citizens and promote psychological health by strengthening community mobilization and citizen participation so that no one is left behind.

By using virtual care, Nova Scotia Health was able to provide flexibility and reach to reduce wait times for non-urgent mental health and addictions supports and services in Cape Breton and the rest of Nova Scotia. This e-mental health innovation resulted in improved access and availability where more Nova Scotians were able to be connected with the right care, where, and when they needed it.


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Resources:

• Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team – call 1 888-429-8167

This initiative provides Ontario children and youth in rural, remote and underserved communities with access to specialized mental health consultations through videoconferencing. It connects children and youth to a specialist who can help them.