Snapchat has launched ‘Here For You’ in Canada, an in-app feature that connects Snapchatters with mental health, well-being and digital literacy resources from a network of trusted Canadian organizations, including 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Jack.org, Kids Help Phone, MediaSmarts, and Tel-jeunes in Quebec.
‘Here For You’ is designed to provide immediate access to information for Snapchatters who are in need of mental health support or resources related to common topics or are simply curious to learn more. The feature is already available in the U.S., UK, India, France, and Netherlands, and was recently expanded in Australia.
When a Snapchatter searches for words or terms related to a wide array of mental health topics, such as “anxiety,” “depression,” “grief,” “suicide,” or “bullying,” they will be served credible content and resources from local organizations from right within the app.
“Snapchat was built with privacy and safety at its core, and we want to help make a positive impact on the lives of the people who use the platform,” says Bob Cornwall, General Manager, Canada at Snap Inc. “The launch of ‘Here For You’ in Canada with the support of these incredible organizations is a reflection of those efforts. We understand that teens and young adults face unique challenges, and we want to ensure they have a safe and private way to access credible support if and when they need it.”
In Canada, Snapchat reaches 90% of 13-24-year-olds. It’s crucial to be able to meet this demographic where they are to provide them with vital information and help make it easier for them to navigate the complex issues they may be facing or even encourage them to share useful resources with a friend.
“9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline’s presence within Snapchat’s ‘Here for You’ feature means we can reach more people where they are at and ensure they know that this confidential and life-saving service is available to everyone in Canada, 24/7/365.” says Dr. Allison Crawford, Chief Medical Officer, 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
“The current reality is that, overwhelmingly, youth are using social media and often use it as a source for information and support,” adds Jo Henderson, Senior Scientist, McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, CAMH. “CAMH is committed to ensuring that trustworthy, evidence-informed mental health resources are accessible to young people, wherever they need them.”
“Young people are the first to notice when a friend is struggling,” continues Michael Braithwaite, President and CEO, Jack.org. “Our partnership with Snapchat’s ‘Here For You’ helps transform their daily digital space into a source of support, breaking down stigma, and ensuring that our youth-centred, peer-to-peer resources and education reach youth early, long before they reach a point of crisis.”
“Snapchat’s ‘Here For You’ provides an essential bridge, guiding young people in Canada directly to our services when they are searching for help for themselves, wanting to support a friend, or hoping to learn more about a complex issue,” notes Jenny Yuen, Group Head and Executive Vice President, Partnerships and Government Relations, Kids Help Phone. ” This collaboration removes barriers and reinforces that support is always available, anytime, for any issue, big or small. Because to a young person, help means everything”
“This initiative will help integrate our resources into the platform, empowering Snapchatters to think critically about the information they encounter and how they interact online,” explains Kathryn Ann Hill, Executive Director for MediaSmarts.
Adds Annie Papargeorgiou, Executive Director of Tel-Jeunes and the Tel-Jeunes Foundation: “By integrating our professional and confidential resources into Snapchat’s ‘Here For You,’ we ensure that Quebec teens can access help simply, safely, and in French, whenever they need it. It’s our way of reminding them: you’re not alone, help is here for you, immediately and safely.”
Here For You’ is available to Snapchatters across Canada and resources are available in English and French.