I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 2020 has been challenging for all of us and it is more important than ever that we take some time to reach out to family, friends and neighbours if they are feeling stressed or anxious this holiday season.

Taking care of your mental health

We have a great page on Mental Health that provides information for people of all ages, including tips, links to agencies and organizations, and apps available for download. I encourage you to have conversations about mental health with family, friends and colleagues and to access these resources if you need additional support.

The Halton Region branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a great resource that offers:

• free telephone counselling by calling 289-291-5396; and
• other mental health and addiction supports, including information to help you support a friend or family member.

To find out how these services may help you and your family, please visit the CMHA’s website (external link).

The Halton Regional Police Service Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is another vital resource available to Halton residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This team of health care workers and HRPS officers are trained in mental health and crisis intervention, and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-877-825-9011. To learn more about COAST, please visit the Halton Regional Police Service’s website (external link).

Supporting others this holiday season

Local non-profits and community organizations, including food banks have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support Halton’s most vulnerable residents. If you are able to, consider donating to your local food bank, participating in a food or toy drive, or make an online contribution to a charitable organization in your community. Visit our Community supports page to find food banks and other community resources available in your municipality. Many are accepting online donations or are collecting items with safety measures in place to ensure they can continue to help those in need this holiday season.

Access to Regional services

Essential Regional services will remain available over the holidays. If you require assistance from us during this time, please visit halton.ca or call 311. While most Regional facilities remain closed due to COVID-19, those that have reopened will be closed from 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23 until 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 4.

By working together and helping one another during these difficult times, we help make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.