ROUND-THE-CLOCK HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Round- the- clock help for addictions, mental health and problem gambling is at everyone’s fingertips when and where they need it most, whether they are on the go or stopped in their tracks by dark thoughts and feelings.
Connexontario links thousands of people each month to the providers of the health and supportive services they need. “To make it even simpler to access our free and confidential system navigation and information services, we just launched Connexgo, our new, free app,” says Brad Davey, executive director of Connexontario, a public, not- forprofit organization funded by the Government of Ontario.
Designed for everyone to use easily, the new Connexgo app is a confidential gateway to the first point of entry- level services. Connexgo assists people with answers to their initial questions: “Where do I go? How do I start?”
While Connexgo does not list Connexontario’s entire database of more than 4,300 services made available through many different health agencies, hospitals and other organizations in the province, the app does contain a great deal. It also gives users the option to engage with Connexontario’s system navigation specialists 24/7.
The app is not a crisis response service. Based in London, “our team doesn’t counsel people; they are experts in guiding people to the service providers that can best help them,” Davey says. “If the person is not in major crisis, we can book a first appointment with a counsellor at a particular time and location. Should the person be in crisis, we will stay with them until we’ve connected them with a crisis support person.”
The app enables users to connect on their comfort level. They can find the services themselves on the app or email, chat or speak live with Connexontario.
“Our team realized that so many people are using their smart phones for everything,” Davey says. “Development of the Connexgo app started a year ago by our own staff, collaborating inhouse. Everything is built on key hands- on knowledge of what callers need and request.”
Accordingly, Connexgo offers straightforward navigation to 24/7 crisis services and withdrawal management centres. Its clean design presents answers to frequently asked questions from users seeking information and help for mental health and addiction concerns.
GPS- sensitive, “Connexgo allows the person to search for what is available in their surrounding area,” Davey explains.
“However, because of the stigma people may encounter around mental health, addiction or gambling issues, Connexgo also lets them find help outside of their own communities,” Davey says. This was an important consideration in the app’s development.
“When we launched our webchat option on www. connexontario. ca some time ago, we thought it would be used primarily by younger people. Yet many users have been older men ashamed to ask for help when their drinking or gambling got out of control. They often request help out-of-town.”
First responders should find Connexgo a useful resource for assisting people in distress. “The Ontario Provincial Police have already tested our app and thought it was amazing to have all that information at their fingertips,” Davey says. “Other police services will also be downloading the app on their phones.”
The Connexgo app can be viewed at www. connexontario. ca/ Mobile/index.
A second new app presented by the mindyourmind program of mood. Connexontario is the app. mood. “Our app helps you track your moods and sleep patterns. By logging how you feel and when you go to bed and wake up, you get a pattern. You can see how many days you haven’t slept well or feel mad, sad or bad,” Davey says.
“The app summarizes and quantifies information and creates a mood. graph that the app user can share with a doctor, therapist or counsellor.” Better insight commood.’ bined with s helpful daily tips can be applied to improve health and wellness. mood.
While is a beneficial app for all ages, “it was designed with younger people in mind. The user chooses from a series of emojis that represent their feelings on a given day,” says Davey. Personal notes may also be added. The app is at https://mindyourmind. ca/ tools/ mood-mindyourmind.
Another mindyourmind app, Be Safe, has just been refreshed. The user can produce a digital safety plan supporting personal mental health; find local mental health and addiction resources; determine the best options for their personal needs; and be empowered to reach out safely. The app is at https://besafeapp.ca.
“Connexontario also gets a lot of family members calling because they are worried about their partners and kids,” says Davey. “There are supports available for concerned relatives, as well.”
“Until you have reason to contact a service provider, you likely don’t know what help is available. Connexontario is here to assist you in every way we can.”