Mental Health
Mental health is a key concern for individuals in KFL&A and across Canada. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health issue or illness. The ripple effects extend far beyond the individual, touching families, workplaces, schools, and social circles.
Whether through personal experience or the struggles of someone close, mental illness is something that connects us all, underscoring the need for awareness, compassion, and support at every level of society.
How we help
By supporting a network of frontline services, we are helping to ensure people have consistent access to mental health supports. For a full list of programs please visit funded agencies.
General Support:
Provides multi-service immediate walk-in services to individuals seeking mental health supports, reducing wait times for counselling.
Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario (211) is a helpline that connects people to social services and community supports through a call, text or chat, 24/7 in 150 languages
Support for Families:
Community agencies provide counselling for military families, families, couples, parents and individuals who are experiencing social, emotional or relationship problems; and counselling to families and individuals in rural Frontenac to ensure they have quick access to mental health services close to home.
Support for Children and Youth:
Specialized programs for youth who may be struggling with mild to moderate mental health issues and outreach programs at elementary and secondary schools to support young people experiencing substance use related issues.
Outreach counselling to youth experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness as well as support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth offering a safe space to explore their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Programs for all area high schools, providing immediate counselling, support and advocacy for youth who have experienced sexual violence.
Mentorship programs helping kids and youth connect with a positive adult mentor, helping with their mental health and overall well-being.
Specialized supports:
A number of different programs are available including support to caregivers of individuals with mental health and/or addiction concerns; professional psychotherapy and support to people who have experienced abuse or trauma and supports and programs that ensure people have access to timely and culturally appropriate care.
Mobile supports and rural supports are also offered working to reduce barriers and improve access.
Counselling programs and support platforms are also in place to support sexual support and Gender-Based Violence survivors, to empower them on their journey to safety and healing.
people in Canada will be affected by mental illness during their lifetime
"Recently, a client attended the walk-in clinic for individual counselling after an experience in the community triggered some of her own childhood experiences. She was able to be seen the same day and was provided with ways to manage triggers when she experiences them again. She was transferred to our subsidized counselling program for ongoing support. Thanks to United Way, these programs are able to offer assistance to community members when they need them most."
Your Impact
In 2024:
- 4,344 people accessed mental health supports to help them feel better connected to the community
- 1,414 individuals accessed supports for addictions through outreach and detox programs
- 1,579 children and youth were connected to mental health and counselling supports
- 563 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals accessed supports through counselling and social programs
