Mental Health Supports
Everyone deserves timely, community-based mental health support they can trust.
Meeting People Where They’re At
Your support helps ensure individuals, families, and caregivers have access to counselling, peer support, and other local resources that reduce stigma and promote long-term well-being. These services provide people with the tools to cope, feel connected, and find stability during difficult times.
No one should have to wait for help when life feels overwhelming. Together, we’re expanding access to sustainable mental health supports across our region.
The Issue
Economic stress, rising housing costs, and social isolation are taking a growing toll on mental health across our region. As financial pressures increase, more individuals and families are experiencing anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.
People who are worried about losing their housing are significantly more likely to experience serious mental health challenges. At the same time, many residents struggle to find timely, affordable support, navigating long waitlists or services that don’t meet their needs. Without access to community-based mental health supports, challenges can deepen and affect overall well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
23.2%
of Elgin-St. Thomas youth aged 12-24 rated their mental health as poor or fair was over 5x higher in 2019/20 compared to 4.3% in 2015/16
958
people in our region contacted 211 seeking support for mental health and substance use challenges
1 in 5
Canadians who struggle with mental health also have a substance abuse issue
How United Way Helps
We fund programs that increase access to effective, community-based mental health supports for individuals, families, and caregivers.
These services include:
- Subsidized counselling
- Peer support
- Crisis stabilization
- Community-based mental health resources
- Supports that help people feel safe, connected, and understood
Our focus is on removing barriers and helping people get the support they need—when they need it.
You Can Help
Mental health can’t wait.
Your support helps ensure anyone, at any age, can access the help they need.
Our Community Partnerships
United Way Elgin Middlesex works with trusted partners who ensure individuals and families can access healthy food, daily essentials, and supportive community spaces.
Together, we fund 4 agencies and 4 programs, investing $650,000 annually to strengthen essential needs supports across our region.
These partnerships help ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to meeting life’s most essential needs.
Subsidized Counselling
Subsidized Counselling
Counselling Services
The Umoja Project
To see more on all funded programs follow the link below.
Our Impact
In 2024-2025, United Way–funded programs provided:
6,592
counselling sessions
1,359
people accessed subsidized counselling
1,960
clients reported an increased sense of well-being
Our Collaborative Role
United Way Elgin Middlesex plays an active role in community planning. We participate in committees and collaborative tables that strengthen coordination across the social services sector, improve access to supports, and ensure that local strategies reflect community needs.
211 Ontario
United Way Elgin Middlesex supports 211, a free, 24/7 service that helps people navigate mental health, substance use, and other community supports. Funded in partnership with United Way organizations across Canada, 211 connects residents to live Navigators who help them find the right help at the right time.