Supporting mental health may not look the same for everyone, but it’s a cause worth constant attention, especially during the summer. Despite it being the season of sunshine, time off, and social outings for many, it can also magnify isolation, financial stress, or emotional fatigue for others. For people living with mental health challenges, support needs don’t go on pause because the weather is warmer.
One in five Canadians suffers from a mental health problem each year. This weighs on both patients, spanning all ages, and their parents, caregivers, and communities, too many of which face systemic barriers to care. The need is constant, and for some, the loss of access that can occur during the summer months, when schools let out and programs scale back, leaves them with fewer resources for acute needs.
There are many Canadian charities doing important work in this space. Most of them are community-based and work quietly behind the scenes to provide stability and care. One of the most recognizable charities is the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). CMHA has local branches across the country offering crisis intervention services, housing support, and more. Their presence in communities makes their services accessible and responsive to local needs.
Jack.org is a youth-focused organization. They encourage young people to talk about mental health and advocate for themselves and others. Their work continues throughout the summer when students are away from school but need connection and structure. They work to reduce the stigma that prevents so many from speaking up, through training programs and outreach.
Several organizations provide services tailored to populations with special mental health needs. The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) offers culturally-based services to Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Their programs incorporate both the practice of traditional teachings and access to wellness resources, providing a holistic framework that reflects the needs of the communities they’re working with. Over the summer, they host land-based gatherings and workshops that focus on healing and connection.
Kids Help Phone has been a steady presence in the lives of young Canadians for decades. They provide immediate assistance to those in crisis through 24/7 phone and texting services. For children who might not have adults to confide in during the summer, or who are spending more time alone, having access to this kind of support can be life-changing. Their services are offered across the country and have grown in recent years to include resources for mental health in multiple languages.
If you’re considering giving this summer, consider starting with one of these organizations. Get in touch, donate, or learn more about what they do. Small donations on a regular basis help create steady, sustainable programs that people rely on for years.
Mental health is everyone’s business. When we decide to stand behind the families and the programs engaged in this work, we send a clear message that no one has to confront these challenges alone.