Mental health website has 24/7 online help

WATERLOO REGION — People struggling with mental health issues can now go to the Big White Wall.

“It is a web-based platform that allows people to access a lot of information,” said Fred Wagner, executive director of the Waterloo Wellington chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The Big White Wall provides online support at all hours of the day, information and selfhelp resources.

“What we’re excited about is people can access something immediately … rather than just languishing on a wait list without any help,” Wagner said.

While there are many resources available in the community, he worries about people who are waiting for those services without any support or help. The new tool can get people started on recovery while they wait.

Wagner said the online tool is best for people with mild to moderate mental health or addictions issues. For some, it may be enough to get them back on track.

“It’s the convenience, the anonymity as well,” Wagner said.

Posting on the site is monitored by “wall guides,” trained councillors who are online at all times and will intervene and direct people to other resources if needed.

“You can also post comments and you can chat with people,” Wagner said. “There’s a lot of self-improvement tools and resources.”

Originally from the United Kingdom, the Big White Wall has also been implemented in Australia and New Zealand. Seventy per cent of people report feeling better after joining, and one in two shared something about themselves for the first time.

People age 16 and older interested in accessing the Big White Wall can call Here 24/7 — the single access point to all addictions, mental health and crisis services in Waterloo Wellington, said Wagner.

“We’re quite excited about it.”