GuelphToday has received the following letter to the editor on the importance of Giving Tuesday from Joanne Young Evans, executive director, Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington.
Data show that mental health issues can escalate quickly. Adding isolation and on-the-job stress can create critical incidents leading to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Having access to expert therapists through same-day call-in services gives people hope and an action plan going forward.
As executive director of a charitable family service agency and essential mental health service provider, I can tell you that our therapists are helping as many people as they can. Yet there is more we could be doing with the help of the community.
The need for mental health support is only going to increase and providing early intervention same-day call-in services and virtual brief therapy is costly. The community is counting on its fortunate residents who are not health care workers or citizens with mental illness suffering in isolation to give — now.
Giving Tuesday, a global fundraising event and show of unity, has taken steps to address this need. #GivingTuesdayNow will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 to address the overwhelming financial emergency response needed during the pandemic.
We have seen the impact mental health struggles have already had on our communities of Guelph-Wellington. Many have found hope in an otherwise challenging time with the help of therapy. We can be the difference again for our frontline workers and those who are facing incredibly tough times alone.
Give hope. Give healing. Give what you can. Give now. https://givingtuesday.ca/donation-search
Joanne Young Evans
Executive Director, Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington
