CMHA Champlain East receives $229,700 OTF grant to expand mental health promotion efforts
Cornwall, ON., July 8, 2025) – Thanks to a $229,700 Grow grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East Branch will be able to expand important mental health promotion and education offerings over the next three years, free to the public.
With this funding from the Ontario government, through to June 1, 2028, CMHA Champlain East will be able to offer:
- Five new Mood Walks routes per year, complete with free busing and food for participants
- Six free Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops per year, including at least one in French
Between the new Mood Walks and ASIST trainings, this funding could stand to benefit hundreds of people in CMHA Champlain East’s catchment area over the next three years.
“We applied for this grant because the numbers told a clear story—too many people in our region are feeling isolated or struggling in silence,” said Chantal Tessier, CMHA Champlain East’s program manager of education and volunteers. “We saw an opportunity to make a real difference. With this funding, we can meet people where they are—with free walks, free training and meaningful support that fosters connection and saves lives.”
“This funding helps us bring people together in nature, supporting mental health and community connection in a way that truly makes a difference,” said CMHA Champlain East executive director Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas. “We’re grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for believing in this vision and investing in our community’s well-being.”
Mood Walks is a provincewide initiative that promotes physical activity in nature, or “green exercise,” to improve both physical and mental health. Locations planned for Mood Walks led by CMHA Champlain East will include Fields of Gold Sunflower Farm and the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, with more to come.
LivingWorks’ ASIST workshop is the world leading suicide intervention skills training program. Trusted by professionals, approved by the World Health Organization and learnable by anyone, LivingWorks ASIST is the only workshop of its kind. Updated continually to reflect new knowledge, LivingWorks ASIST has been training people to provide suicide first aid interventions for 40 years.
To learn more about where and when the Mood Walks will be held or how to participate in an ASIST training, visit www.cmha-east.on.ca or contact Chantal at
Fast facts:
- Recent data highlights the pressing need for accessible, no-cost mental health supports across our communities. According to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) Population Mental Health Survey and Results (2022), 23 per cent of residents reported feeling socially isolated, and 11 per cent experienced feelings of suicide in the past month.
- Additionally, the suicide rate in the EOHU region was 14.59 per 100,000 in 2022, higher than the Ontario average of 11.8 per 100,000 (Coroner’s Information System, Office of the Chief Coroner, May 2024).
- In communities such as Hawkesbury and Cornwall, 24–26 per cent of residents relied on government assistance (EOHU 2019 Community Health Status Report), underscoring the need for mental health services that are accessible to individuals facing financial and social vulnerability.
About CMHA Champlain East
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Champlain East Branch is dedicated to promoting and improving mental health in our community by delivering community-based programs and services. Our core values, including integrity, excellence, accessibility, accountability and person-centred services, guide every aspect of our work. We strive for excellence in our services through innovation, education and leading practices. CMHA Champlain East works tirelessly to create a society where mental well-being is a shared reality for all. Learn more at www.cmha-east.on.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Chantal Tessier
Program manager of education and volunteers
CMHA Champlain East