WELLINGTON COUNTY — The Grove Wellington Guelph and the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) have launched their #GetReal campaign, dedicated to demanding candidates and community representatives ensure mental health and wellness are a priority in the upcoming municipal election.
The #GetReal campaign encourages voters to leverage their votes and demand action on the current mental health crisis in the community.
“Now is the time for us all to take action. Support from our community and our elected officials makes a huge difference in how we collectively address the current mental health crisis,” said The Grove Wellington Guelph executive director Cyndy Moffat Forsyth.
“This municipal election is a chance to have your voice heard and demand that mental health becomes a priority in our community.”
The Grove Wellington Guelph and CMHA WW are estimating that four out of five youth are struggling with mental health and/or substance use locally.
As of June 2022, referrals for key care pathways within children’s services at CMHA WW have skyrocketed including the demand for child psychiatry, counselling and treatment services, and family support, since the start of the pandemic.
“There is definitely a gap in our ability to meet the increased need for children, youth and families in our community with current level of funding, and it is essential to have support from our elected officials to ensure there is real and tangible action.” said CMHA WW CEO Helen Fishburn,
“This crisis requires our community to rally around the needs of our children and youth, and to insist that elected leaders join us in advocating for more funding and resources.”
The Grove Wellington Guelph and CMHA WW are asking voters to get involved by visiting the #GetReal website to submit a letter of support and spread the word about the current mental health and addictions crisis in Guelph and Wellington County, amplifying the message that mental health matters.
On election day, The Grove Wellington Guelph and CMHA WW want you to use your vote to demand change and action from elected officials on the current mental health and addictions crisis.
With election day fast approaching, now is an important time to demand action.
To learn about the current state of mental health in Guelph and Wellington County and to submit your letter of support to demand action from local representatives visit the #GetReal website: https://getrealguelph.ca.
