Keep Caring! Keep Talking! Bell Let's Talk

Good morning colleagues,

It's under a great beautiful sunrise that the Bell Let's Talk campaign is launched this morning! And today is a special day for me. When I reflect on my role as Ombud for employee mental health and well-being for more than three years, I observe on a daily basis this immense need to speak up, and to be listened to. Slogans such as "Keep caring. Keep talking" mean a lot to me and to all of us.

A fatigue has set in and is well anchored about the pandemic, and rightly so. The news is often more negative than positive. However, the greatest ray of hope is what we do on a daily basis to support someone who is suffering in silence and who is looking for an attentive ear. Keep caring! Keep talking! Even if you are not qualified as a clinical psychologist, you are qualified to be there, to listen. Then guide your friends, colleagues or anyone to existing resources. Psychological and social support can take the form of a simple call, a virtual meeting, a connection between us.

Three years ago, I was on a train from Ottawa to Montreal on Bell Let's Talk Day. A lady overheard me having a conversation about mental health with a co-worker. It was enough for me to find myself with a Bell Let's Talk tuque on my head! Indeed, an energetic lady from Bell Canada criss-crossed the east coast of the country to promote mental health! I now wear this tuque with pride, especially on Bell Let's Talk Day. However, beyond this gesture, I make the commitment to choose a person and offer my support! I challenge you to create this social bond today! I wish you a wonderful day. Take care of you. "Keep caring! Keep Talking!"