How Mentally Healthy is Your Community Survey

Sep 27, 2023

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WATERLOO WELLINGTON RELEASES DATA FROM ITS FIRST-EVER SURVEY ON “MENTALLY HEALTHY COMMUNITIES“

92 per cent of survey respondents agreed that it is important for local governments to prioritize support for mental health and well-being of residents

Today, the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) is releasing the results of its first-ever survey assessing the mental health of municipalities in Waterloo, Wellington County and Guelph. While the survey revealed many findings related to the importance of mental health, wellness and access to resources in our community, one of its most significant findings is that 92 per cent of respondents believe that it is important for local governments to prioritize support for the mental health and well-being of residents. 

“Mental health has evolved into a crisis that transcends jurisdictional boundaries and requires a coordinated effort from all levels of government,” said CMHA WW CEO Helen Fishburn. “This crisis permeates all levels of society and its consequences ripple through our communities, strain healthcare systems and impact productivity and well-being. We can no longer pay lip service to the mental health crisis. We need it to be a consideration in every decision that our local leaders make.”

The survey looked at what is important to residents’ mental health, what cities can do to contribute to the mental health of its residents and whether it is important for local governments to prioritize support for mental health and well-being. It also asked respondents to prioritize the factors that contribute to living in a “mentally healthy community”, including: access to social supports, mental health services, public transportation, affordable housing, food security, parks/public green space, civic engagement, safety and opportunities and services for children and youth. 

“These numbers are concerning and municipal leaders should take note that our residents do not have a high degree of confidence in describing our communities as ‘mentally healthy’,” said Fishburn. “We need to ensure we are investing in actionable solutions that will address the priorities identified by our residents – food security, housing, safety – as these are inextricably linked to mental health and well-being.” 

In assessing how communities can support the mental health of residents, survey respondents volunteered affordable housing and living (30 per cent), followed by access to healthcare services (20 per cent). Survey respondents also recommended increased funding for mental health services and supports as well as an increase in the number of accessible healthcare practitioners.

With the survey clearly demonstrating the connection between mental health and basic needs including food and shelter, it is clear that mental health needs to be a consideration in all areas of public discourse. Solving the mental health crisis requires action across the community, from all levels of government, partner organizations, social services, and more. 

“Governments have a vital role to play in investing in mental health support to promote the well-being of their populations and uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all citizens,” said Fishburn. “Prioritizing mental health is not only a matter of public health, but also contributes to stronger social cohesion and community well-being. We can only be a mentally healthy community if we commit to working together to provide solutions, resources and services.”

The survey was conducted between August 9 and 18, 2023, using an online methodology with panelists from the Angus Reid Forum. In total, 530 residents participated in the 10-minute survey.  Results were weighted using Census Canada 2021 data to reflect the demographic realities of the Regions. While online research employs samples of convenience, an equivalent telephone sample of this size is considered accurate to within +/- 4.2%, nineteen times out of twenty. 

A full synopsis of the survey is available here. 

CMHA WW offers mental health resources and webinars through our website to support your mental health – visit www.cmhaww.ca/events for more information. If you are in crisis or need support for you or a loved one, please call our Here 24/7 crisis line at 1-844-437-3247 (Here 247). 

For mental health support for children 0-6, you can call Here4Kids at 1-844-4KIDS-11 (454-3711). For children 6-18 years old please call HERE 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247 (HERE 247) and ask to book a single session appointment.