Bell Let’s Talk Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Kids Help Phone Timothy Spearman
Mental health has become an important topic for students, teachers, and families across Canada. One major initiative helping to create positive change is Bell Let’s Talk, a national campaign focused on raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health. Each year, millions of Canadians join the conversation by sharing messages, learning about mental health, and supporting those who may be struggling.
A key part of Bell Let’s Talk’s impact comes from its support of Kids Help Phone, a service many young people rely on when they need someone to talk to. Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, free, confidential mental‑health support line for youth. Students can call, text, or use online tools to get help with stress, anxiety, bullying, relationships, or anything else on their mind.
Thanks to funding from Bell Let’s Talk, Kids Help Phone has been able to:
Hire more counsellors, so young people don’t have to wait long for support
Expand text and online chat services, which many teens find more comfortable
Improve technology, making it easier to connect quickly and safely
Reach more communities, including rural and remote areas
Kids Help Phone also launched a major movement called Feel Out Loud, which aims to reach every young person in Canada with mental‑health support. Bell Let’s Talk is one of the partners helping make this goal possible.
Together, Bell Let’s Talk and Kids Help Phone are making sure youth across Canada know they are never alone. By talking openly about mental health and knowing where to find help, students can support themselves and each other.
If you or someone you know needs support, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat.
National Mental Health & Crisis Lines
Kids Help Phone – 1‑800‑668‑6868 Text CONNECT to 686868 For youth of all ages needing support, advice, or someone to talk to.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 988 For anyone in Canada experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress.
Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous Peoples) – 1‑855‑242‑3310 Phone and online chat support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Wellness Together Canada Adults text WELLNESS to 741741 Youth text WELLNESS to 686868 Free mental‑health support and resources.
Trans Lifeline – 1‑877‑330‑6366 Peer support run by and for trans people.
Talk Suicide Canada – 1‑833‑456‑4566 Text 45645 (evenings) Support for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Youth & Young Adult Supports
Kids Help Phone – 1‑800‑668‑6868 Text CONNECT to 686868 Chat available on their website.
Youthspace.ca Text 778‑783‑0177 (6 pm–12 am PST) Emotional support for youth and young adults.
Supports for Adults & Seniors
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 988 For adults of all ages.
Hope for Wellness (Indigenous adults & Elders) – 1‑855‑242‑3310
Wellness Together Canada Adults text WELLNESS to 741741
LGBTQ2S+ Supports
Trans Lifeline – 1‑877‑330‑6366
LGBT Youth Line (Ontario) – 1‑800‑268‑9688 Text 647‑694‑4275 (evenings)
Provincial Mental Health Lines (Quick List)
Ontario Mental Health Helpline – 1‑866‑531‑2600
BC Mental Health Support Line – 310‑6789 (no area code)
Alberta Mental Health Helpline – 1‑877‑303‑2642
Saskatchewan HealthLine – 811
Manitoba Mental Health Support – 1‑888‑617‑7715
Quebec Info‑Social – 811
New Brunswick Chimo Helpline – 1‑800‑667‑5005
Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line – 1‑888‑429‑8167
PEI Mental Health Line – 1‑800‑218‑2885
Newfoundland & Labrador Crisis Line – 1‑888‑737‑4668
Yukon Distress & Support Line – 1‑844‑533‑3030
Northwest Territories Help Line – 1‑800‑661‑0844
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline – 1‑800‑265‑3333
