• $1 million annual fund supports community-based mental health organizations
• Online applications now being accepted at Bell.ca/LetsTalk

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell today announced that its annual $1 million Bell Let's Talk Community Fund will again distribute grants of up to $50,000 for community-based mental health initiatives across the country this year. Organizations including registered not-for-profits, charities, local hospitals and social services agencies can apply for funding. The 2013 application period is open until March 31 and grants will be disbursed before December 31, 2013.

"In 2012 the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund invested in 60 local mental health organizations across Canada," said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative. "These organizations are making such a positive impact in the lives of people with mental health issues in our communities. Now in its third year, we look forward to growing the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund and working with more partners in 2013."

Announced alongside this year's Bell Let's Talk Day set for February 12, the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund is part of Bell's 5-year, $50 million mental health initiative. Bell will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 through the fund to organizations, hospitals and agencies focused on improving access to mental health care in their communities from coast to coast to coast. Grants are given to capacity-building projects aimed at creating or expanding programs that provide front-line support and/or reduce the stigma for those impacted by mental health issues.

The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is built around 4 action pillars: anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. This invisible illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians and costs the Canadian economy $51 billion each year. In 2012, mental illness was the cause of an estimated $20.7 billion in lost labour participation, and every day 500,000 Canadians are absent from work due to a form of mental illness. Mental health funding is modest relative to other health care issues representing 15% of Canada's health care burden, but receiving only 5% of health care funding.

To apply online for 2013 funding, or to learn more about Bell Let's Talk Day on February 12, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Bell was honoured to be named the recipient of the 2012 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation for the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative.

About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell products and services, please visit Bell.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.

Image with caption: "2012 Bell Let's Talk Community Fund presentation to The Ottawa Hospital. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130114_C5566_PHOTO_EN_22486.jpg

Image with caption: "2012 Bell Let's Talk Community Fund presentation to L'Équipe Équilibre. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130114_C5566_PHOTO_EN_22494.jpg

Image with caption: "2012 Bell Let's Talk Community Fund presentation to The Canadian Mental Health Association Peterborough. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130114_C5566_PHOTO_EN_22482.jpg

Image with caption: "2012 Bell Let's Talk Community Fund presentation to The Pacific Post Partum Support Society. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130114_C5566_PHOTO_EN_22488.jpg

Image with caption: "2012 Bell Let's Talk Community Fund presentation to The Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong Training and Employment Centre. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130114_C5566_PHOTO_EN_22490.jpg

SOURCE: Bell Canada