Sask. launches ad campaign for people facing mental health, addictions issues

The Saskatchewan government wants people dealing with mental health and addictions issues to remember there is help and there is hope.

That’s the theme of a new public awareness campaign that has been launched to help change what the government called “the underlying attitudes, behaviours and beliefs that contribute to stigma surrounding mental health and addictions.”

The “There is Help, There is Hope” campaign features ads that will appear on TV, radio, billboards, buses and social media and also at movie theatres. The radio spots will be translated into Cree and Dene as well.

The ads feature Saskatchewan people — like Chelsey and Candice and Tommy and Nicole — who have experienced addictions or mental health issues or who have counselled people with those experiences.

“This campaign is part of our budget commitment to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and addictions issues in Saskatchewan, and to promote where people can access help,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a media release.

“The people featured in this campaign offer such powerful messages of hope and recovery. I thank them for sharing their stories and inspiring others to reach out to available resources.”

Tommy LaPlante, an addictions counsellor who dealt with addictions of his own, said in the release it’s important to break down the stigma “because we are not that label.”

“We are so much more; we are people,” he added. “If we can get rid of the labels, and get to know and love people, they’ll feel supported. The important thing to know is there is help, and there is hope.”

Funding for the campaign was included in the provincial budget, which increased funding for new mental health and addictions initiatives.

In addition to those ads, the province has launched a mental wellness campaign featuring people from Saskatchewan who share healthy coping tips through social media platforms. Among those featured are Moose Jaw comedy duo Leroy and Leroy, singer/rapper Joey Stylez and actor Kim Coates.

Both campaigns run until March 31.

More information on the supports available can be found here.