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
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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:
- Community questions and requests regarding City of Burlington services can be directed to Service Burlington by phone at 905-335-7777, by email at city@burlington.ca or online.
- Halton Region has created a Reopening Schools resource webpage for parents, students and teachers at halton.ca/covid19.
- For further COVID-19 information, including where to get tested, please visit Halton Region Public Health halton.ca/coronavirus
- Residents can stay informed at burlington.ca/coronavirus as well as on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington
- Questions about the cancellation of Recreation programs can be directed to rentals@burlington.ca or liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738
- City of Burlington: www.burlington.ca/coronavirus
- Resources for Residents & Non-Profit Organizations: www.burlington.ca/covid19resources.
- Halton Region: www.halton.ca/coronavirus
- Government of Ontario: www.ontario.ca/coronavirus
- Provincial Emergency Orders: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200052
- Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus
- World Health Organization: www.who.int
- Joseph Brant Hospital: josephbranthospital.ca/covid-19
- Team Burlington Business Supports: burlingtonchamber.com/team-burl-supporting-burl-business-during-covid-19/
- Burlington Food Bank: call 905-637-CARE (2273), or visit burlingtonfoodbank.ca
- Food for Life: call 905-635-1106 and press 7, or visit foodforlife.ca
- Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Branch: call 289-291-5396, or visit halton.cmha.ca