The Bell Let’s Talk flag was raised Wednesday at city hall in support of the 14th annual Bell Let’s Talk Day.

By hoisting the flag, Whitehorse community members are taking action today and everyday for mental health, Northwestel Inc. said in a statement later in the day.

“The Bell Let’s Talk flag is a visible reminder to the community that mental health matters and that help is available.”

To honour the day, community leaders joined Mayor Laura Cabott, Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Northwestel representatives at city hall to share what they are doing to address mental health challenges in the Yukon.

“It’s an important day to take a moment to really consider how we can collectively create change for northerners’ mental health,” said Tammy April, Northwestel’s vice-president of customer experience.

“We’re grateful to raise the Bell Let’s Talk flag with many of our partners today and create a space to talk about the challenges Yukoners face.”

Northwestel added, “Together we have taken big steps to reduce the stigma around mental health issues, inspire one another to make a difference, and help create a Canada where everyone can access the mental health support they need.”

Whitehorse joined more than 100 communities and partners around Canada that raised the flag to show support for mental health in their communities and to help create change.

“Let’s create real change. Take action all year long,” Northwestel said.

“Bell Let’s Talk Day marks the start of a new year to take action in mental health. We can all create real change.”

The company urges Yukoners to:

• choose a mental health organization to learn about or support;

• help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them;

• ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health;

• nurture your own well-being by practising and learning mental health strategies;

• get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health; and

• engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma.