An innovative and award-winning program developed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bridge the gapp, is being featured today in a national podcast series that presents innovative mental health programs across Canada.
The Promising Practices podcast was launched by Canada’s Premiers in March 2021 to share innovative and responsive mental health programs from every province and territory that focus on people who live in rural, remote and Northern communities. The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
Eastern Health, one of the province’s regional health authorities, launched Bridge the gapp in 2015 as a regional resource for youth. The Department of Health and Community Services quickly saw its potential and redesigned it to be a provincial resource for youth and adults in collaboration with individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges and community partners.
Of the many mental health and addictions initiatives championed in this province, Bridge the gapp contributed to Newfoundland and Labrador receiving the International e-mental Health Innovation Leadership Award from the e-mental Health International Collaborative based in Auckland, New Zealand. The award is presented annually for leadership in the global e-mental health landscape, embodying innovation, implementation and forward thinking. Bridge the gapp is recognized as a trusted source for information, support and guidance. The online platform provides immediate access to content that offers advice, inspiration and assurances in finding supports.
The foundation of Bridge the gapp is based on strong partnerships, and co-designed with lived experience and shared ownership. Described as an invaluable resource that people have come to depend on, Bridge the gapp is not only a resource for people who are struggling – it is a resource for everyone.
Access to a full suite of e-mental health programs and services has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. As residents were confined primarily to their homes to prevent the spread of the virus, response to Bridge the gapp soared. People seeking mental health services responded positively to accessing resources from the comfort of their homes. The number of new users who connected online increased by 233 per cent in 2020.
The Newfoundland and Labrador podcast is the twelfth episode in the Promising Practices series. The presentation takes a look at the journey which the province embarked upon in creating Bridge the gapp, the expansion of the program to other jurisdictions across Canada, and testimonials from individuals with lived experiences. The podcast also provides an overview of the province’s Towards Recovery Action Plan.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to transforming our provincial mental health and addictions system to one that is proactive, person-centred and recovery-focused. Bridge the gapp is a shining example of how we are doing just that.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“E-mental health services, like those offered through Bridge the gapp, are helping to respond to the increase in need, while at the same time reducing wait times. They help people receive care from the comfort of their own homes.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“It is through these collaborative initiatives that we have been able to achieve our end goal: that is, to provide people with easy access to quality, evidence-based e-mental health and addictions programs and services, when and where needed.”
Paula Corcoran
Chairperson, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Recovery Council
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Learn more
Tune in to the Promising Practices podcast at canadaspremiers.ca/podcast/ or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts
Provincial e-mental Health Initiatives Receive International Recognition
Towards Recovery: The Mental Health And Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador
Mental Health and Wellness – COVID-19
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca