Mental health challenges affect many in our community. For example, nearly half of Canadians reported that their mental health worsened in the pandemic’s second year. Mental health is linked to self-harm, suicide, and substance dependency. Indeed, mental health challenges are the leading causes of disability in Canada.
While anyone can experience mental health challenges, some are more likely to be vulnerable, including people experiencing poverty, young people, and people involved with the criminal justice system. This is especially pronounced now as we continue to recover from the pandemic and people who were already vulnerable struggle to access and maintain the supports they need. The often-prohibitive costs, stigma, lack of culturally appropriate services, staff burnout, and more can limit people’s access to care.
At United Way Greater Toronto, we aim to increase access to support, encourage coordination of services, reduce social isolation, and improve overall wellbeing for people facing mental health challenges.
As a partner, advocate, and community-builder, we take a multi-pronged approach to this complex challenge, supporting solutions that address urgent and unmet needs through focused programs as well as strategies for systems-level change.
Please join United Way Greater Toronto in improving community mental health by donating today.
