Chatham-Kent youth who struggle with their mental health now have access to Be Safe, a free mobile app that helps users make safe and informed decisions during times of crisis.
The Be Safe app by mindyourmind is a virtual tool that connects users with the mental health resources that best suit their needs. It also provides tips for reaching out during times of crisis, including a "Get Help" script for users to follow.
Some of the local resources found in the app are Youth Mental Health Hubs of Ontario, LinCK, Humana, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Mental Health and Addictions Program, Chatham-Kent Homeless Response Line, community navigators at the public library, and more.
"People don’t always know how to access mental health resources, and the Be Safe app is a resource that will help improve community awareness,” said Megan Walker, a therapist with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, Chatham-Kent.
Provincial and national resources are included on Be Safe, as well.
Through the app, users can also develop a personalized safety plan for future use. These plans are designed to guide someone through a mental health crisis and keep them safe until they get the help they need.
The Be Safe app piloted in London back in 2014, and has since expanded across Ontario and Canada with the help of regional partners.
"Be Safe was co-created with a group of young people with lived experience of mental health issues and of accessing crisis services. Their knowledge and overall expertise allowed them to play an integral role in the app’s conceptualization and development," said Cathy DeBresser Knowler, public health educator for the municipality.
To download the app on your Apple or Android device, visit besafeapp.ca.
Be Safe was made available in Chatham-Kent thanks to the work of the Mental Health Social Planning and Action (SPA) Table. United Way created the SPA tables at the start of the pandemic in 2020 as a way of addressing social issues in the community.
"These tables continue to work together to create change for the people of C-K with a focus on recovering from the effects of the pandemic," said DeBresser Knowler.
The Mental Health SPA table consists of seven members: Angel Bilagot from The Co., Julie Whalen from LinCK, Emily Paul from St. Clair College, Jenn Prothero from Prothero Wellness, Marge Muharrem from Women United, along with Walker and DeBressor Knowler.
Women United provided the group with a grant to get Be Safe up-and-running in Chatham-Kent.
Introducing the Be Safe app is the third initiative by the Mental Health SPA table. The group previously headed the "Name It, Don't Numb It" bracelet program in local schools, and the Spring Into Wellness free yoga and mindfulness program.
