By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Mental Health Estrie has recently released a new comprehensive guide to mental health resources available to the English-speaking community in the region. In a recent interview, Jennifer Bauer, the project manager for Mental Health Estrie, discussed the significance and development of the guide, which was several years in the making.
Bauer, who has been with Mental Health Estrie for over three years, initially worked as the intervention coordinator before becoming the project manager. She explained that the guide was initially conceived as part of a project funded by the CIUSSS de l’Estrie just before the pandemic, with the goal of promoting existing mental health services to the English-speaking community. However, the pandemic delayed its production as the organization prioritized staying available to the community during the crisis. When Bauer returned from maternity leave, she picked up the project, which became one of her key responsibilities.
The guide, titled “Mental Health Resources in Estrie”, is the first of its kind and aims to serve as a resource for individuals seeking mental health support in the region. “We really wanted to provide something like a hard copy, something that someone can hold in their hand, pick up in a waiting room or psychologist’s office, and just scan through it,” Bauer said. The guide includes detailed information on available organizations, their services, contact information, and whether they offer bilingual services, making it easier for people to find help tailored to their needs.
The guide also features a map of the Estrie region, highlighting the expansive area it covers and helping individuals locate services near them. “We also have in the booklet right at the beginning some quick resources, like emergency phone numbers, crisis phone lines,” Bauer emphasized, explaining the importance of making essential information accessible in a crisis.
Collaborating with Vent Over Tea, a non-profit organization that offers free active listening services, was instrumental in finalizing the layout and content validation. Vent Over Tea’s active listening service is available in the Estrie and Montreal regions, both in person and virtually, and is prominently featured in the guide. Bauer noted that this collaboration was a positive outcome of the pandemic, stating, “It kind of ended up being a really nice bonus.”
The guide is available in both print and digital formats, with hard copies accessible at Mental Health Estrie’s offices and through Vent Over Tea. The digital version is available on their websites and social media platforms. “If anyone wants a hard copy, for example organizations, they can always reach out. We can mail them some copies, we can drop them off too,” Bauer added. She also stressed that the guide is free of charge and accessible to anyone who needs it.
Bauer emphasized the importance of calling ahead before accessing services listed in the guide. She noted that even though the guide provides the most up-to-date information, it’s crucial for individuals to verify that the services, especially English-language services, are still available. Bauer also mentioned that the guide does not replace medical advice, and people should consult with a medical professional when needed.
Mental Health Estrie plans to update the guide every two to three years, depending on funding, to ensure the information remains current. Bauer encourages organizations to contact them if they were inadvertently omitted from the guide, so they could be included in future editions.
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