Now more than ever, children and teenagers need the support of their parents, grandparents, extended family and loved ones to help them build resilience and work through the challenges of these unprecedented times.
That’s why the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is partnering with Alberta Health Services, the Mental Health Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Calgary Health Trust, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, University Hospital Foundation and researchers from across the province to launch an evidence-based text messaging service to reduce stress and anxiety faced by young people, families and caregivers.
Text4Hope is an innovative, evidence-based text messaging service that is now open to all Albertans experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19.
Sign up for this service simply by texting
COVID19HOPE to 393939
What happens when I sign up?
You will receive daily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-informed supportive messages for three months. These texts will be designed to address negative feelings related to the global pandemic. Written by therapists and counselors, the messages will change each day and be consistent for all recipients.
What makes us think this will help?
We know that the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetime. This program builds on an initiative called Text4Mood that was implemented in northern Alberta in 2016. It was recognized for its success by the Mental Health Innovations Network, headquartered at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Eighty-two percent of subscribers responding to a survey about Text4Mood reported that the daily messages made them feel more hopeful about managing issues; 77 percent felt more in charge of managing depression and anxiety; 75 percent said the messages made them feel connected to a support system; and 83 percent reported an improvement in their overall mental wellbeing.
Share the support
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and our colleagues from like-minded health foundations across the province are partnering with Alberta Health Services to provide this important service to all Albertans. Amidst the constant stream of media updates tracking infection and death rates around the world, we hope an infusion of evidence-based positive and supportive messaging could be a much-needed timely and welcome relief to you and those you love. Please share this resource with your friends and family.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 today. Normal data rates apply.
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