In 2019, we introduced a flag raising program as a new way our partners could show support for Bell Let’s Talk Day and mental health in their communities. Last year, more than 100 municipal, provincial and territorial governments, sports teams and partners around Canada and internationally raised a flag as a way to kick off their Bell Let’s Talk Day activities and join the world’s largest conversation about mental health.

This year, with COVID-19 affecting every aspect of our lives, taking action when it comes to mental health is more important than ever. We are encouraging communities and organizations from coast to coast to coast to raise the Bell Let’s Talk flag to celebrate their commitment to mental health and highlight the actions they are taking to support people in their community during these difficult times. The flag is a safe and visible reminder to the members of your community that mental health matters and that help is available.

Bell Let’s Talk Day 2021 Flag Raising Program

COVID-safe flag raising ideas

With physical distancing measures in place, there are safe ways you can celebrate your flag raising. Join the growing number of organizations and communities throughout the country that step up to promote Canadian mental health throughout January and on Bell Let’s Talk Day:  

• Kick-start your Bell Let’s Talk Day activitiesby raising a flag to show your support formental health and highlight the actions yourcommunity is taking.

• Record a video or take a picture of your flagraising and share it on social media on BellLet’s Talk Day with a link to where communitymembers can find supports.

• Hold a virtual flag raising ceremony andwelcome local mental health organizations totalk about their work.

• Hold a virtual lunch-and-learn to promotemental health initiatives and resources availablein your community.

Flag raising toolkit

Whether you are holding a virtual event or posting about your flag on social media with a link to local mental health supports, we’ll provide helpful materials to support your flag raising and communications:

• Bell Let’s Talk flag (36” x 72”)

• Bell Let’s Talk swag (posters, talk bubbles, etc.)

• Digital flag raising video for social media

• Social media messages

• Media release template and sample newsletterarticle

Bell Let’s Talk Day isThursday, January 28!

Bell Let’s Talk Day 2020 Flag Program: partner engagement

The Bell Let’s Talk flag went international and was raised as far afield as the South Pole. Brian Jones from Fredericton unfurled the flag at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station while on a trek to raise funds for mental health initiatives at Chalmers Foundation in New Brunswick.

Communities and partners from coast to coast to coast used their flag raising ceremonies to spark conversations about mental health on social media and to highlight local mental health supports.

All photos taken before the COVID-19 pandemic

Highlighting communitymental health supportsand services:

All photos taken before the COVID-19 pandemicCity of Iqaluit flag raising with Arctic Children and Youth Foundation