Sun Life supports Indigenous youth mental health
Sun Life, a leading financial services company, has been a supporter of Kids Help Phone for 20 years.
Most recently, in 2021, Sun Life announced a transformational investment of $1 million to advance Kids Help Phone’s efforts to reach more Indigenous youth across Canada as a part of Finding Hope: Kids Help Phone’s Action Plan for Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Young People. This donation enabled the development and expansion of two programs:
- Brighter Days: An Indigenous Wellness Program supported by Sun Life: This program has a goal to empower Indigenous youth, ages six to 29, with skills, tools and resources to support their well-being. It’s developed and led by Indigenous educators, school counsellors and community program workers, enhancing Kids Help Phone’s services and encouraging help-seeking behaviours. As a part of the program, youth can connect with a Kids Help Phone Indigenous Wellness Specialist, who can guide them through wellness modules based on the priorities of their specific communities.
- Weaving Threads: An Indigenous Engagement Program: This program helps with the recruitment and training of community-based youth and adult volunteers. These Indigenous leaders are committed to promoting Kids Help Phone’s outreach initiatives and supporting the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of Indigenous communities.
We’re deeply grateful for Sun Life’s partnership and their commitment to breaking down barriers to mental health support for Indigenous youth.
“At Sun Life, we believe mental health is health. Funding mental health programs designed with Indigenous youth, for Indigenous youth, is an important way to help ensure young people can access the support they need. We are committed to building more resilient communities.”
— Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada