Free Transportation to Mental Health Support for Youth

To help individuals aged 16-25 living in rural Middlesex County access mental health and addiction support, the Road to Mental Health (RMH) program was established and offers free taxi services to and from the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre in London for youth in crisis who reside in rural Middlesex.

As an essential health care service, RMH is always open and operational for those in need.

RMH is made possible through a partnership between MINDS of London-Middlesex, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley, and Checker Taxi. It is guided by a committee with members from Lucan Library, Middlesex Library, and Star Taxi.

HOW TO ACCESS:

1. Individuals in need connect with Reach Out via phone, text or webchat at 519-433-2023 or www.reachout247.ca.*
2. The Reach Out worker will assess the individual’s situation and if needed, they will connect them with a ride to the Crisis Centre via Checker Taxi. The taxi will come to the individual’s location, pick them and drive them to the Crisis Centre, located at 648 Huron Street in London. (The drivers involved in this program have received training developed by CMHA on mental health and crisis de-escalation as well as suicide prevention through Living Works.)
3. Upon their arrival, the individual will receive adequate care and support, which could include assessment, supportive counselling and/or referrals to other services such as treatment, case management services, social and recreational activities, life skills development, vocational and housing supports, or withdrawal assessment.
4. After the appointment is complete, Checker Taxi will give the individual a free ride home.

^{*If you are under the age of 16, please contact Tandem for 24/7 support at 519-433-0334 or visit their website, where a trained professional can connect you with a ride to mental health and/or addiction support through RMH.}

Want to help spread the word? Download, print and post this poster to help! Download here.

Service funded by St Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and numerous community partners.