Pandemic effects on Mental Health linger
Mental illness stands as a pervasive issue, often both a cause and symptom of others, such as poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to education. For example, living in poverty can result in poor mental health, leading to difficulty in finding and keeping a job, causing financial strain, and worsening mental well-being.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were worrying trends in the number of people reporting their mental health as “very good” or “excellent”. Between 2016 and 2020, almost every age group polled in Ontario reported a decline in their mental health, with a significant 46% decrease among 18- to 34-year-olds. The pandemic only intensified these issues.
Figure 1: Perceived Mental Health, exceptionally good or excellent – Ontario – Statistics Canada
Local agencies faced enormous challenges adapting their programming under pandemic measures while maintaining services and supporting their staff. People who already faced obstacles to receiving mental health support found themselves juggling additional barriers. Meanwhile, those who experienced new mental health issues during this time were forced to navigate an uncertain healthcare landscape without the previous support systems.
Today, though the world may be recovering from the worst of the pandemic, local agencies in the sector are still making hard decisions with limited resources to be able to provide essential services to people who need them. In November 2023, a poll commissioned by CanadaHelps showed increased demand for charitable services. In fact, among people accessing charitable services for the first time, 23% are doing so because of mental health.
While it will take a collective effort to tackle these issues at a systems level, the OCF continues to support mental health organizations through grants with the help of generous donors. Here are a few shining examples that highlight the amazing work being done to help others.
Tackling the unique challenges of rural communities: Rural Ottawa South Support Services and A Friendly Voice
Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) is a community support service agency mandated to help seniors and adults with disabilities stay in their homes as long as possible.
As a program of ROSSS, A Friendly Voice was created in 2018 to tackle the growing crisis of lonely and isolated seniors in rural communities. In early 2019, the program evolved to help seniors across Ontario. The challenge and need were compounded when the pandemic hit a year later and continues to be a pressing issue in rural communities.
Rural Ottawa South Support Services offices
With a team of 15 full-time staff, ROSSS and A Friendly Voice rely heavily on volunteers to ensure their programs reach seniors in need and provide quality service.
Melissa MacIsaac, Funding and Outreach Manager, and France Connor, Program Manager recognized the need for additional support. They applied for and received a grant through the OCF’s Community Grants Program in 2023 to facilitate volunteer recruitment and retention through mental health training. The grant was supported through the Princess Warrior Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at the OCF.
Collaborating with a counsellor from the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Centre, they provided rigorous training for their volunteers, ensuring that they could handle each call with care and respect for their own boundaries. Volunteers are trained to manage various mental health issues, referring urgent calls to the crisis line. They also have regular debriefings with each other and supervisors to cope with challenging calls effectively.
Melissa MacIsaac giving a peek at their Meals on Wheels Fridge
According to MacIsaac, the mental health crisis for seniors in rural communities is unique.
“Access to public transit, stores, and libraries is different here compared to a big city.”
She adds that people gather organically in apartment buildings for seniors, allowing them to develop relationships and community. In comparison, seniors in rural communities may not have neighbours for several kilometres away.
“They could go weeks without seeing another human if not for some of the programs we offer.”
Rural communities also have limited resources and services. Connor notes that, “accessing resources is a challenge [which] snowballs into impacting their physical health and their mental health.”
“Access to public transit, stores, and libraries is different here compared to a big city.”
While A Friendly Voice’s intent is to connect these seniors to resources within their communities, many of them prefer to use the service just to connect with another person. The success stories at A Friendly Voice are undeniable. One client spoke about their experience.
ROSSS’ in-office foot care clinic
“I pay hundreds of dollars to see a psychiatrist, a counselor, a therapist… but no one comes close to what [A Friendly Voice does] for me.”
A Friendly Voice often connects with more than 60 people per day, demonstrating how critical this service is for seniors. MacIsaac urges anyone wishing to support them to follow their social media, spread awareness about their services, and donate money or time, including pro-bono training or other supportive services and resources.
Learn more about Rural Ottawa South Support Services and A Friendly Voice by visiting their website. The Ottawa Community Foundation’s Community Grant to support the work of A Friendly Voice was made possible by the Princess Warrior Charitable Fund.
The impact you make
Generous community members who contribute to or set up a fund with the OCF help make a difference on issues like mental health by facilitating support for organizations like ROSSS. The Ottawa Community Foundation is grateful for all donors and fundholders who have supported mental health-focused organizations and initiatives. As a charity for charities, we pride ourselves in our ability to champion causes that support our fundholders’ philanthropic goals and empower them make a difference in their own communities.
Contact us to learn more about working with the Ottawa Community Foundation.