{"id":83704,"date":"2025-08-21T09:45:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T13:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidshelpphone.ca\/?post_type=publications&p=83704"},"modified":"2025-08-21T13:59:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T17:59:20","slug":"desjardins-reaches-2m-milestone-in-support-of-kids-help-phone-and-youth-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"publications","link":"https:\/\/kidshelpphone.ca\/publications\/desjardins-reaches-2m-milestone-in-support-of-kids-help-phone-and-youth-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Desjardins Reaches $2M Milestone in Support of Kids Help Phone and Youth Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With its support of Kids Help Phone\u2019s Feel Out Loud movement, Desjardins is making sure more young people have somewhere to turn during the challenges of back-to-school<\/em> <\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TORONTO (ON), August 21, 2025 <\/strong>\u2013 Desjardins has supported Kids Help Phone (KHP) for more than 33 years, championing young people\u2019s right to Feel Out Loud. Today, KHP is proud to announce that Desjardins has reached a remarkable $2 million milestone in support of the Feel Out Loud movement since 2020. This contribution was made through Desjardins\u2019 Together for Our Youth<\/em> program, which helps build stronger communities and invests in young people\u2019s education, health and well-being across Canada. With this latest investment KHP can continue to expand access to support, ensuring even more young people have a safe space to let their feelings out.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back-to-school can be a pivotal time for students, as academic and social pressures often intensify. In 2024, KHP saw an 18% increase in texting conversations around back-to-school time compared to the four months prior. This is a clear indication that many young people are in critical need of mental health support when they are transitioning back-to-school. During this period, the volume of conversations about anxiety and stress rose by over 20%, emphasizing the growing demand for accessible mental health support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBack-to-school is a transitional time that can be difficult for some students, parents, caregivers and educators to navigate,\u201d says Susan Morris, Interim President & co-CEO, Kids Help Phone. \u201cSince 2020, Desjardins has been a dedicated supporter of our back-to-school program, helping us meet young people in classrooms and communities across the country. This significant contribution will allow us to always be there when a young person reaches out and asks, \u2018Can you help me feel better?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With support from Desjardins through the back-to-school program, KHP is offering support that meets young people where they are. Whether by text, phone, online chat or self-directed resources, KHP is making sure youth know how to reach out. KHP offers support in English, French, and more than 100 other languages. Services are designed to meet the unique needs of Black, Indigenous and newcomer youth, include safety planning for those in crisis, and offer easier access to a wide range of online and local resources. No issue is too big. No feeling is too small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Every young person deserves to feel heard, supported and empowered. These are the foundations that help shape their future. Kids Help Phone provides that support across Canada, and the Feel Out Loud movement opens doors to connection and care when it’s needed the most. This investment is more than a gesture; it reflects our belief in the potential of youth and our commitment to helping them thrive, both in and outside of the classroom,\u201d said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KHP\u2019s Feel Out Loud movement is scaling access to support, advancing equity and reshaping the country\u2019s e-mental health ecosystem through innovation so more young people\u2019s feelings have a place to go. To offer more youth help in all sizes, you can join the Feel Out Loud movement at KidsHelpPhone.ca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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