Areas we fund

We’ve chosen to focus on two areas where we believe our support can make the biggest difference in helping kids be healthy inside out. They are early intervention and education to reduce stigma.

Early Intervention

Most mental disorders begin in childhood or adolescence. If the signs of mental illness are recognized early and proper steps taken, most kids can go on to lead normal and productive lives. That’s why we fund early intervention programs that:

• Focus on children and youth between the ages of 0 - 18.
• Deal with the most prevalent childhood and adolescent mental illnesses including anxiety, conduct disorders and mood disorders.
• Are offered to children and families who take early action against factors that put children at risk of developing mental health problems.
• Are facilitated through a community based organization that collaborates with all levels of service providers (including government) to deliver integrated service.
• Are based on and validated by documented scientific evidence, and supported by scientifically sound studies that have demonstrated consistently positive outcomes.

Public Education to Reduce Stigma

Unfortunately, there is significant stigma attached to mental illness, which often discourages individuals and families from seeking help. When they do seek help, they can be overwhelmed with information from sources that may not be credible. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and professionals who work with children can all benefit from increased education, so they can recognize the early signs of mental illness, and help or encourage the family to seek treatment from a health professional.

The RBC Children’s Mental Health Project supports education programs that increase understanding, awareness and access to credible information in order to reduce social stigma about children’s mental health issues. We focus on programs that help:

• Parents and caregivers determine how to access appropriate services.
• Teachers and health care professionals determine how to identify signs of mental health problems and how to take early action.
• The public understand the nature and prevalence of mental health issues and how to find help.