Wellness Together platform to shut down in April

OTTAWA – Wellness Together Canada, which the federal government launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, is officially shutting down on April 3. As the end of funding for a national mental health portal comes to an end, advocates across the country are calling for appropriate alternatives.

In St. John’s, Kristi Allan says when she first heard the news of Wellness Together Canada shutting down, she felt defeated and angry.

“I was so upset. I remember where I was sitting and just the feeling that washed over me. It was scary,” said Allan.

“People who need that service, it’s like everybody is just being completely invalidated.”

Allan is one of many users of Wellness Together Canada across the country since its launch in April 2020 to support those with declining mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the website says it’s had 4.2 million visitors, who came to access information and direct mental health and substance use services.

Last month, Health Canada announced the platform will shut down on April 3, citing an end of “the emergency phase” of the pandemic.

Yet Allan, a vocal advocate for more accessible long-term mental healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador, said the portal is still needed, as it offers one hour of counselling plus follow-ups and therefore more continuity than a traditional crisis line. That, in addition to round-the-clock access to support, she said, was why she recommended the service to anyone in need.