The Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates that 1 in 5 Canadians is affected by a mental illness or addiction issue every year. They assert that timely intervention is critical to reducing the lifelong burden of mental illness and addiction.
Reach Out is a 24/7 bilingual information and referral, support and crisis service for those living in London, Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties. This service, which launched August 23, 2016, is for people living with mental health and addictions needs – as well as their families, caregivers and health care providers. For the first three years, Reach Out calls were answered by trained Connex Ontario information and referral specialists, which would triage calls to mental health support and services within each county.
To help streamline the service and continue to enhance community mental health and addiction supports, as of April 1, 2019, Reach Out was transferred to CMHA Middlesex and the phone, text and web chat service is answered by mental health workers in London, Middlesex, Elgin and Oxford counties.
Now operating through Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services, Reach Out results in faster access to the most appropriate supports – whether that is crisis services, supportive listening, mental health and addictions information, or a connection to mental health and addictions services. Reach Out is funded by the South West Local Health Integration Network.
Trained mental health workers answer all calls and provide system navigation, supportive listening and crisis services. The development of Reach Out was motivated by the desire to provide individuals with mental health and addictions needs with timely, seamless access to appropriate services.
How can I connect with Reach Out?
Call 519-433-2023 or toll-free 1-866-933-2023
Text 519-433-2023
Connect online through the web chat feature
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for informational updates. Please note our social media is for information only and if you require mental health and addictions support, connect with the three options above.
What services does Reach Out provide?
Please check out our services page to learn about what our trained, caring and supportive professionals can provide through every call, text or web chat.