Local United Way works to address mental health struggles holistically

GUELPH – One in every three Canadians will face mental health struggles in their lifetime, according to Public Health.  

But United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is working to address those struggles, and officials there believe “Better is Possible.” 

That’s the focus again this year as it launches its annual  fundraising campaign. 

The organization supports 140,000 people through 51 community services and programs that address poverty, social isolation and mental health. 

The gymnasium at the Shelldale Centre was crowded with United Way partners, politicians, supporters and staff for the campaign kick off on Sept. 17. 

Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner expressed appreciation for the United Way and said “now more than ever, people in our community are really struggling. 

“We thought we were just coming out of a pandemic and then we got this orange man from the south –it hasn’t been easy.”  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, executive director Glenna Banda said there has been a significant decline in mental health in the region. 

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin executive director Glenna Banda said “donating as little as a few dollars makes a difference – don’t believe your contribution doesn’t matter or is too small.” Photo by Robin George

She said the United Way’s recent annual general meeting was a reminder of the considerable “breath and depth of the impact United Way has in our community … bringing people together to mobilize ideas and action.”

She said they work to ensure programs and services are available to everyone in Guelph Wellington Dufferin, including those living rurally. 

Banda described the significant relationship between mental health and poverty – a cycle where mental health struggles increase the likelihood of living in poverty, and poverty increases mental health struggles. 

“When people are focussed on putting food on the table they can’t focus on their mental health,” Banda said. 

This year’s fundraising campaign manager is deputy minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness John Kelly. 

Many factors impact mental health, Kelly said, including access to food and housing, financial stability, addiction, the cost of living and how much time people spend on social media. 

Compass Community Services executive director Erica Pellin emphasized the impact of United Way funding.

Compass Community Services executive director Erica Pellin said without funding from the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, Compass could not offer all of its services. Photo by Robin George

“Everyone needs support at some point in life,” Pellin said, and staff at Compass work to “give people the tools, care and connection they need to navigate challenges and build resilience.”  

She said “if it weren’t for the United Way, services like quick therapy wouldn’t exist in our community.

“Donations to your local United Way provide real solutions to needs for mental health supports in your community,” Pellin said. 

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said while individual people do have the power to make better choices, better is only really possible with money. 

“We do really need to try to dig deep – as deep as we can,” he said. 

“When community programs are funded, people have a better chance at a better life,” Banda said. 

“Believing better is possible might be hard right now when so many things seem out of our control,” she said, and advised people to lean into their community connections. 

Banda said “donating as little as a few dollars makes a difference – don’t believe your contribution doesn’t matter or is too small.” 

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin campaign chair and deputy minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness John Kelly said “Better won’t happen if we wait for someone else to do it.” Photo by Robin George

“Better won’t happen if we wait for someone else to do it,” Kelly added. 

To make a donation, contact the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin at 519-821-0571 or visit unitedwaygwd.com.