Bell let’s talk: know the initiative that seeks to end the stigma of mental illness

In 2019, the campaign raised more than $ 7.2 million in donations.

Even in these years, going to an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist is stigmatized. Therefore, there are initiatives such as Bell Let’s talk, created in 2010 by the telecommunications company Bell Canada, which seeks to end these prejudices through awareness campaigns.

The campaign began because George Cope, CEO of Bell Canada, had to design a new social responsibility program for the company. Since the topic raised by its main competitor focused on breast cancer, Cope suggested mental health. Until then there were very few companies that bet on this due to little knowledge of the area.

Thus, in 2010 he started this annual one-day campaign, in which Bell let’s talk donates $ 0.05 for each interaction obtained in the main virtual platforms. Money drives care and research about mental health in Canada.

The highlight is that through the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, people around the world share their experiences about a mental illness that they, family or friends have suffered. In this way, talking about the subject becomes more common and prejudices are deconstructed.

How to help the Bell let’s talk initiative?

Help is very easy. With each tweet or retweet with the hashtag #BellLetsTalk, the company will donate $ 0.05. In addition, if you watch the video that we show you below you will also be contributing.

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day. For every view of this video ?, Bell will donate 5¢ towards Canadian mental health initiatives. Watch now and retweet this post to help us spread the word! #BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/mesNKy6uAe

— Bell Let's Talk (@Bell_LetsTalk) January 29, 2020

Although this campaign is widely accepted by the public, there are those who claim that more than a social act, the company performs digital marketing. This given that they would use the theme of mental health to become better known and that the “Bell” brand recall is linked to a good action.

In addition, Maria McLean, former employee of the telecommunications company, said she was fired on January 12, 2017 without prior notice. This happened after he presented his doctor with a note of medical rest for two weeks due to a mental illness he suffered. The company did not comment on it.