Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Newsletter Signup

Burlington Mayor’s Statement for Bell Let’s Talk Day: The Importance of Practicing Self-Care and Staying Connected

STOCK_Mayor Office_Interior

I’ve release a Statement today for Bell Let’s Talk Day that you can read below or by clicking this link: Statement from the Mayor – Jan 28 2021 – Bell Lets Talk Day.

There is no question the past 11 months have taken a significant toll on the mental health of the members of our community, regardless of their age. Burlington City Council has recognized this reality from the moment the pandemic crossed our borders and, as a result, mental health has been at the forefront of our considerations in decision-making, along with the need to keep our residents safe while balancing the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day. It is crucial we remain hopeful that better days are ahead; and indeed, we are seeing this with the rollout of vaccinations. These are extremely tough times that have taken a toll on many of us and I know we are all struggling. I cannot express how grateful I am to our resilient community for continuing to do your part to keep yourself and those around you healthy – both physically and mentally.

I encourage our residents to make that extra bit of effort to not only look after others, but yourselves as well. Continue to reach out to your loved ones, family, friends and colleagues – not just today, but every day. Remaining emotionally connected is more important now than ever. Joining a virtual book club, having a video call over dinner, streaming a group fitness class or just picking up the phone and calling someone are but a few ways we can practice self-care and stay connected.

Also take the time to get out for some fresh air and exercise. The City of Burlington has kept our parks, toboggan hills, rinks, dog parks and more, open for use by members of your family while staying 2m/6ft. apart from those outside of your household. We encourage you to get outside and enjoy some physical activity safely as it’s an important part in fostering good mental health.

Our Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has compiled a list of mental health supports and resources at www.burlington.ca/en/your-city/covid-19-community-resources.asp.

If you need to speak to someone about your mental health, or that of a family member, coworker or friend, there is help through:

  • National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK;
  • Kid’s Help Line: 1-800-668-6868;
  • Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST): 1-877-825-9011;
  • Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566;
  • Alcoholics Anonymous Halton: 905-845-5900.

Wellness Together Canada also offers free supports, such as information and practical tools to feeling better, self-guided programs, peer-to-peer support and confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals. Immediate supports are also available by phone and text for those without Internet access:

  • Adults – Text WELLNESS to 741741;
  • Youth – Text WELLNESS to 686868;
  • Front-Line Workers – Text FRONTLINE to 741741.

Supporting each other through good mental health and well-being will help us all get through this together.

Be kind. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

City of Burlington

—

PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page — bit.ly/COVID19BurlingtonFAQ that are updated as new information becomes available.

A consolidated page for information and updates on the work of the provincial Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force is available at bit.ly/COVIDVaccineUpdates.

Halton Region has also created a dedicated COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for up to date information on the status of our COVID19 vaccination program.

A Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency — updates will be provided at burlington.ca/COVID19taskforce.

To report an incident of non-compliance with provincial emergency orders, please contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.

We’ve also created a dedicated page to feature the local organizations and businesses that have inspired us during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking action to support our community in new and creative ways — head to bit.ly/covidwallofinspiration.

HELPFUL RESOURCES & RELATED LINKS:

Receive new post notifications by email

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Here are guidelines before you comment, and our expectations before we will post:

  • Be civil. Would you speak this way to a good friend? If not, rewrite.
  • Focus on the issues. Build your argument and make your case in support of your opinion from facts, research or other sources. That way we can all learn. “I disagree with so-and-so because…” is fine; “So-and-so is naïve/stupid  for thinking the way he/she does and here’s why…” is not acceptable.
  • Don’t make personal attacks. Don’t assume motives of those you disagree with, make unfounded allegations, spread rumours, or engage in any other behaviours that would discourage you from participating if someone said this to, or about, you. The Golden Rule applies: Do unto others as you would have done to you. We will edit or not post comments with this type of content.
  • Say it once: When comments from the same individual or individuals become repetitive, going over ground already stated, we reserve the right to close commenting.
  • Use your full, and real, name. If wish to make a comment in public, we expect you will publicly stand behind it with your name. If you don’t want to publicly reveal your name, that’s fine; you are always welcome to share your thoughts with me privately via my email below. I welcome and consider all feedback in making decisions for the community.
  • Have fun, consider and learn. Share your views and read those of others. May we all benefit from a healthy exchange of ideas, and learn a little more about the people in our community, what you think, and what’s important to each of you. You may end up changing your mind about an issue; even if you don’t, we hope everyone will gain a greater understanding of why people have different perspectives.
Administrator

Administrator

A Better Burlington began in 2006 after my neighbours said they felt left out of city decisions, learning about them only after they’d been made. As journalist for 22 years, I thought “I can do something about that” and a website and newsletter were born. They’ve taken various forms and names over the years, but the intent remains: To let you know what’s happening at City Hall before decisions are made, so you can influence outcomes for A Better Burlington. The best decisions are made when elected representatives tap the wisdom of our community members, and welcome many different perspectives.This site allows residents to comment and debate with each other; our Commenting Guidelines established in 2016 aim to keep debate respectful. Got an idea or comment you want to share privately? Please, get in touch:

Newsletter Sign Up

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Phone: 905-335-7607
Email:  mayor@burlington.ca

Media Specialist: John Bkila
john.bkila@burlington.ca
905-335-7600