Kids Help Phone Canada (KHP) is launching a new nationwide action plan called “Finding Hope.”
The organization’s goal is to strengthen support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis young people and address gaps in e-mental health care.
Working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and organizations, KHP is taking specific actions to enhance mental health support for young Indigenous people, making it equitable, accessible, and culturally attuned.
Kids Help Phone aims to expand trust and public awareness of its services among Indigenous communities.
Many Inuit, Métis, and First Nations people, particularly in the North, live in remote areas and face barriers to accessing health services.
As part of its action plan, KHP offers an option for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis young people to connect with a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis crisis responder when available by texting “FIRSTNATIONS,” “INUIT,” or “METIS” to 686868.
They have also created access for young people to get support in Nēhiyawēwin (Plains Cree) and Anishininiimowin (Ojibwe) through a translator.
KHP has established two specific Indigenous programs: “Brighter Days,” an Indigenous Wellness Program, and “Weaving Threads,” an Indigenous Engagement Program.
They have also developed online mental health and wellness content for young people in six Indigenous languages.
“Kids Help Phone’s work to offer relevant, equitable, and accessible e-mental health services to young Inuit, First Nations, and Métis people will never be done,” says Katherine Hay, President & CEO of Kids Help Phone.
“Fully committed to Truth and Reconciliation, it is KHP’s responsibility to work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, with the KHP Indigenous Advisory Council leading the way, so all young Indigenous people have access to e-mental health services wherever and whenever they need them most.”
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 national e-mental health service offering free, confidential, multilingual support to young people.