Stepping Up for Mental Health
Since beginning in 2019, Cameco's Step Up for Mental Health program in Ontario has granted almost $460,000 in Northumberland County and Blind River toward local mental health programs. Our 2024 program raised a record total of $138,000 and was awarded to 18 local organizations.
In early 2019, the inaugural Step Up for Mental Health events were announced for Ontario and Saskatchewan. Fun runs/walks would take place in both Port Hope, Ontario, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, raising funds for the Cameco Fund for Mental Health. The Cameco Fund for Mental Health would fund projects and programs that make a difference for mental health in local communities where Cameco operates - Northumberland County, Ontario; Blind River, Ontario; and Saskatchewan.
The Step Up events that have followed since included virtual and in-person runs/walks and golf tournaments in Northumberland County and Blind River, Ontario. Thousands of Step Up participants have raised not only funds, but also their voices to help end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Through the Step Up for Mental Health initiative we aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, involve our employees, and support mental health projects that will make a difference in our community.
Since beginning in 2019, Cameco's Step Up for Mental Health program in Ontario has granted almost $460,000 in Northumberland County and Blind River toward mental health programs. Our 2024 program, including a global virtual run/walk and golf tournaments in Northumberland County and Blind River raised a record total of $138,000 and was awarded to 18 local organizations.
- Summary of 2024 grants - Northumberland County
The Cameco Fund for Mental Health has awarded $120,000 to support 12 mental health initiatives and organizations in Northumberland County. These grants aim to support a variety of organizations and mental health initiatives while benefiting a wide range of people living in our communities including students and youth, families, front line workers at local agencies, and more.
Now in its sixth year, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health was established to directly support organizations and groups that are working to address and support mental health in Northumberland County and area. Thanks to the support of the community, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health has granted nearly $410,000 to support mental health programs in Northumberland County since 2019.
The 2024 Northumberland County recipients were:
Alnwick/Haldimand Public Library
The Mindful@the Library project will focus on promoting and supporting mental wellness within the Alnwick/Haldimand community through educational resources, kits, and programming.
Grant: $6,000.00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland
Delivered to girls ages 11-14, Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Health Minds provides free group-based mentorship activities which focus on improving mental health through physical activity and the development of social/emotional skills.
Grant: $ 10,000.00
Learn more about Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Cobourg Collegiate Institute
The CCI Mental Health Initiatives project enhances well-being by hosting wellness speakers and fostering a supportive school community focused on resilience and mental health
Grant: $ 4,000.00
Learn more about the Cobourg Collegiate
Community Counselling and Resource Centre
The provision of mental health counselling within a short to mid term model (6-12 sessions) to adults living or working in Northumberland County. Counselling is offered on a sliding fee scale with no one turned away for an inability to pay.
Grant: $ 15,000.00
Learn more about the Community Counselling & Resource Centre
Community Health Centres of Northumberland
Gender Care is a project to reduce barriers to accessing gender affirming care in the county of Northumberland.
Grant: $ 20,000.00
Learn more about the Community Health Centres of Northumberland
Green Wood Coalition
The Red Path Recovery program provides accessible addiction and recovery support through weekly drop-ins and intensive 21-week sessions, fostering opportunity for personal recovery and community integration.
Grant: $ 10,000.00
Learn more about the Green Wood Coalition
KBI Inspire Magazine
‘Life Outside the Box’ is a series of interviews with young people in video and audio format. The podcast focuses on youth mental health and the issues that intersect with youth mental health. “Mapping Futures” is a live event and panel discussion
Grant: $8,000.00
Learn more about KBI Inspire Magazine
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
This Emergency Discretionary Fund provides support to MSIFN Community Members with access to Mental Health services, as needed, and specific to their individual needs, where they might be able to access without funding.
Grant: $10,000.00
Learn more about Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Comprehensive programming for recreational and treatment-based group therapy for individuals accessing Peer Support through Northumberland Hills Hospital's (NHH) Community Mental Health service.
Grant: $9,500.00
Learn more about Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Northumberland Humane Society
Our project will be to add a Crisis Care program which will enable us to help more people keep their pets and out of the shelter system. Crisis care program provides temporary safe care for pets of individuals who are in crisis.
Grant: $10,000.00
Learn more about the Northumberland Humane Society
Rebound Child & Youth Services
Workplace Wellness Initiative - with a focus on employee burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, emotion regulation, stress management, and improving overall employee wellbeing.
Grant: $ 7,500.00
Learn more about Rebound Child & Youth Services
YMCA Northumberland
The YMCA Alternative Suspension Program invests in programs to keep at risk youth in school and away from criminal activity and the youth justice system.
Grant: $10,000.00
- Summary of 2024 grants - Blind River
The Cameco Fund for Mental Health has awarded seven grants, totaling $18,000, to organizations in the Blind River area working on mental health projects. This is the third year that the Cameco Fund for Mental Health has been available to organizations working on mental health projects and initiatives in the Blind River area. Thanks to the support of the community, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health has distributed $50,000 to local organizations since 2022.
The Blind River recipients for 2024 are:
Huron Shores Family Health Team
The Caregiver Support Group for Newborns is a program that offers a platform to encourage healthy minds and healthy bodies through education, promotion, and support.
Grant: $ 5,000.00
Learn more about the Huron Shores Family Health Team
The Well Ministries
This food security program provides healthy meals to food insecure people in Blind River, Mississauga First Nations, and surrounding communities.
Grant: $ 5,000.00
Learn more about The Well Ministries
Blind River Public School
Empowerment Through Experience is an initiative designed for students to engage in new experiences of their choice which can enhance self-esteem and confidence, fostering a positive self-image.
Grant: $ 2,200.00
W.C. Eaket Secondary School
Cares Closet and Cupboard is an initiative to provide free food, clothes, and hygiene products to meet the physiological needs of students who would otherwise go without.
Grant: $1,900.00
Blind River Public Library
Through adding new media equipment to our library, we can provide online programing and broaden our reach in the community, allowing more people to be engaged in library activities.
Grant: $1,500.00
Learn more about the Blind River Public Library
Elliot Lake Secondary School
Music Program Rejuvenation will improve mental wellness of ELSS students through participation in music making opportunities.
Grant: $ 1,400.00
E.s.c. Jeunesse-Nord
The Serenity Room is a resource room supporting students to care for their mental health and find strategies or resources to support better overall health.
Grant: $1,000.00
- Summary of 2023 grants - Northumberland County
In 2023, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health has awarded eleven grants, totaling $88,000, to organizations in Northumberland County working on mental health projects. This year’s grants will benefit a wide range of people including students and youth, families, front line workers at local agencies, and more.
Alderville First Nation
The Mino-Bemaadiziwin (A Good Life) Dinner Series project will bring together mainstream health professionals and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers to provide education and awareness regarding issues that are impacting the mental health and wellness of individuals, families and communities.
Grant: $7,500
Learn more about Alderville First Nation
Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
The Mental Health Healing Garden will provide a space for clients to work together in a peer environment on a project which will promote healing, provide fresh food securities and offer a safe, stigma-free environment.
Grant: $4,000
Learn more about Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
Cobourg Collegiate Institute
The Wolf Den project will provide an outdoor space for all students to connect with one another, nature and improve overall mental health.
Grant: $4,000
Learn more about Cobourg Collegiate Institute
Community Counselling and Resource Centre
Mental health counselling for adults living or working in Northumberland County. Counselling is offered on a sliding fee scale with no one turned away for an inability to pay.
Grant: $15,000
Learn more about Community Counselling and Resource Centre
Community Health Centres of Northumberland
The Gender Affirming Health Care Initiative will improve mental health outcomes for individuals who are Trans and Gender-diverse residents of Northumberland County by improving local access to gender affirming health care services.
Grant: $15,000
Learn more about Community Health Centres of Northumberland
KBI Inspire Magazine
The 'Life Outside the Box' podcast series focuses on youth mental health and the issues that intersect with youth mental health, in both video and audio format.
Grant: $9,000
Learn more about KBI Inspire Magazine
Northumberland Aquatic Club
Mental health First Aid training for NORAC coaches working with youth.
Grant: $1,000
Learn more about Northumberland Aquatic Club
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Comprehensive programming for recreational and treatment-based group therapy for individuals accessing Peer Support through Northumberland Hills Hospital’s Community Mental Health.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Northumberland United Way
The Northumberland Eats voucher program, a partnership between United Way Northumberland and Northumberland County, provides food support to individuals and families across the county who are struggling with food insecurity.
Grant: $7,500
Learn more about Northumberland United Way
Rebound Child & Youth Services
Ongoing support for its family wellness hub, a continuum of services, program and supports which utilizes a family-centred approach to provide the support, skills and referrals necessary to navigate youth and family mental wellness.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Rebound Child & Youth Services
Sounds of the Next Generation
Mental Health First Aid for Workers with Youth for SONG staff and community partners.
Grant: $5,000
- Summary of 2023 grants - Blind River
The Cameco Fund for Mental Health has awarded five grants, totaling $19,000, to organizations in Blind River working on mental health projects. The projects focus on a number of areas including physical activity, healthy eating and peer mentoring.
Blind River Public School
The You Belong initiative is designed to address the mental well-being of students through involvement in leadership opportunities, peer mentoring, diverse opportunities and inclusive activities.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about Blind River Public School
Huron Shores Family Health Team
The Caregiver Support Group for Newborns is a program that offers a platform to encourage healthy minds and healthy bodies through education, promotion and support.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Huron Shores Family Health Team
Huron Superior Catholic District School Board
Promote physical activity, mental health and connection through cardio drumming with the St. Marys's DrumFIT Club.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about Huron Superior Catholic District School Board
The Well Ministries
“Cook with Me” workshops that promote healthy eating and social connection and reduce stress associated with food insecurity.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about The Well Ministries
W.C. Eaket Awards Fund
The W.C. Eaket's Mental Wellness Initiative will improve the mental health of students through education, peer connection and recreational fun.
Grant: $3,000
- Summary of 2022 grants - Northumberland County
In 2022, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health awarded nine grants, totaling $50,000, to organizations in Northumberland County working on mental health projects. This year’s grants will benefit a wide range of people including students and youth, families, front line workers at local agencies, and more.
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Community Counselling and Resource Centre
Providing mental health services to adults in Northumberland County.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Community Counselling and Resource Centre
Burnham Public School
Purchase of two buddy benches for the school yard. If a child is lonely, they can sit on the Buddy Bench to signal to other students that they are feeling isolated, prompting another student to talk to them.
Grant: $2,500
Learn more about Burnham Public School
Canadian Mental Health Association, HKPR
The Road Ahead Mobile Clinic is a mobile clinic bringing a full range of mental health and addictions services to individuals living in rural and remote areas in the four counties, including Northumberland.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Canadian Mental Health Association, HKPR
North Hope Central Public School
Buddy benches for the school yard / nature trail.
Grant: $2,500
Learn more about North Hope Central Public School
KBI Inspire Magazine
The 'Life Outside the Box' podcast series focuses on youth mental health and the issues that intersect with youth mental health, in both video and audio format.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about KBI Inspire Magazine
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
This project will help upskill direct care staff in a therapeutic approach called Solution Focused Therapy.
Grant: $4,500
Learn more about Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
YMCA Northumberland
Y-Mental Health & Well-Being offers Mental Health First Aid courses to staff, volunteers, individuals and families in Northumberland County.
Grant: $6,000
Learn more about YMCA Northumberland
Community Care Northumberland
The Train the Trainer - Non Violent Mental Health Crisis Intervention program by Community Care Northumberland will provide training for front line staff and volunteers to learn to communicate, de-escalate and support clients when working with community members in mental health distress or crisis.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Community Care Northumberland
Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
A wellness-based project to help build resiliency in staff and prevent burn-out from working in a high demand and high stress environment in which staff work with the most vulnerable of populations.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
- Summary of 2022 grants - Blind River
In 2022, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health awarded three grants, totaling $13,000, to organizations in the Blind River area working on mental health projects. This year’s grants will benefit students and youth and families.
Blind River Cadets - 2407 Army Cadet Corp, 696 Air Cadet Squadron
Creating a field kitchen mess tent to use on all outdoor excursions that would be capable to be used in all four seasons.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about Blind River Cadets - 2407 Army Cadet Corp, 696 Air Cadet Squadron
Huron Shores Family Health Team
The New Baby Support Group for Caregivers will provide a platform to encourage healthy minds, healthy bodies through education, promotion and support.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Huron Shores Family Health Team
St. Mary's Catholic School
The Student Counsellor will provide tools and resources to help students and their families meet and improve their mental health needs.
Grant: $5,000
- Summary of 2021 grants - Northumberland County
In 2021, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health awarded nine grants, totaling $43,000, to organizations in Northumberland County working on mental health projects. This year’s grants will benefit a wide range of people including students and youth, families, front line workers at local agencies, and more.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland
The Little Studio engages vulnerable children and youth ages 9-14. Providing weekly discussions and arts-based activities with the goal of enhancing social connectedness, self reflection, communication, coping skills and self confidence.
Grant: $6,500
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland
Burnham Public School
Students who struggle to stay self-regulated need appropriate tools to help them in the classroom. The school will create kits for each class for students to use when they are in need, maintaining their dignity and mental health.
Grant: $3,500
Learn more about Burnham Public School
Cobourg Collegiate Institute
The CGI Wellness Initiative will provide anxiety kits to students in need as well as materials for Wellness Wednesdays.
Grant: $4,500
Learn more about Cobourg Collegiate Institute
Grafton Public School
Purchasing resources (MindUP Curriculum Texts) for implementing a Social Emotional Learning Program for Grafton Public School.
Grant: $720
Learn more about Grafton Public School
KBI Inspire Magazine
Life Outside the Box is a youth mental health podcast that takes a deeper dive into the issues that affect youth – from a youth perspective.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about KBI Inspire Magazine
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Northumberland Hills Hospital employees will support all staff to provide exceptional care to anyone struggling with their mental health.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club
Understanding mental health and how to cope through activities and exercises, with an emphasis on women, youth and newcomers to Northumberland County.
Grant: $2,430
Learn more about Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club
Rebound Child & Youth Services
Rebound is introducing the Family Check-Up and Every Day Parenting program in Northumberland County. Rebound’s staff will require training in two phases to deliver concentrated support to parents and families through this evidence-based program.
Grant: $7,350
Learn more about Rebound Child & Youth Services
Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
Staff Wellness – Building Resiliency as a Worker in the Homelessness System is a 3-part program for staff to provide training, structure and support skill building in the area of wellness as it relates to mental health. Building resiliency in front line staff fosters quality mental health services in the community.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
- Summary of 2020 grants - Northumberland County
In 2020, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health awarded six grants, totaling $36,840, to mental health projects that benefit Northumberland County. The projects range from mental health training to direct support for people struggling with mental health.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland
The Virtual Mentoring Program connects vulnerable and at-risk children and youth in Northumberland County with trusted and caring trained adult mentors to promote positive mental health and well-being through virtual mentorship.
Grant: $7,500
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland
Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
A Peer, Social and Wellness Area will enable connections and empowerment in a welcoming environment through therapeutic and peer groups.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
The NHH Community Mental Health Services 'TELL Talk (Teaching and Education Learned through Living)' recovery college program focuses on mental health education and coping skills.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Kaitlyn Bates Initiative
Inspire Magazine is a bi-monthly, online publication for teens and young adults in Northumberland County. KBI plans to produce a regular webcast with a youth- mental health focus; as well as initiating an Inspire Speaker Series, once COVID restrictions allow.
Grant: $3,000
Learn more about Kaitlyn Bates Initiative
Port Hope High School
The Active Living project will promote active living and improved mental health by using physical education experiences at Hawkins and Port Hope High School.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Port Hope High School
Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge
The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge will offer free virtual Mental Health First Aid courses to the residents of Northumberland County.
Grant: $8,340
Learn more about Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge
- Summary of 2019 grants - Northumberland County
In 2019, the Cameco Fund for Mental Health awarded grants totaling $68,000 to nine projects benefitting Northumberland County. The projects range from mental health training to direct support for people struggling with mental health.
Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
Campbellford & District Community Mental Health is working to combine evidence based psychotherapy with innovative virtual reality technology to enhance and revolutionize the treatment of individuals residing in Northumberland County and surrounding area who live with serious and persistent mental illness.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Campbellford & District Community Mental Health
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
When dealing with vulnerable populations, it is imperative to have strength in staff. Cornerstone is working to create an engaged, positive and resilient work environment through the development of a workplace well-being and engagement plan.
Grant: $5,430.33
Learn more about Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre
Northumberland Community Counselling Centre
Northumberland Community Counselling Centre is working on a Healthy Families Initiative for residents of Northumberland County. The program will aim to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression using psycho-educational, therapeutic, and holistic approaches.
Grant: $10,000
Learn more about Northumberland Community Counselling Centre
Northumberland Paramedics
Northumberland Paramedics is developing a peer support team program. This team will be trained to assist and support the front line paramedics that are exposed to the mental, and emotional, stresses of the job on a daily basis.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Northumberland Paramedics
Northumberland Federation of Agriculture
The Northumberland Federation of Agriculture is planning to hold a two-day Mental Health First Aid Course run by a certified trainer with Canadian Mental Health Association, for farmers and agricultural service providers in Northumberland County.
Grant: $4,500
Learn more about Northumberland Federation of Agriculture
Green Wood Coalition
Resilience Through Creative Expression will seek to engage with individuals who have accessed formal mental health supports in the past but who may not be successfully participating with those supports, currently. The focus of this program is on building individual resilience and social inclusion, resulting in less dependence on formal mental health supports and crisis response.
Grant: $8,170
Learn more about Green Wood Coalition
Port Hope High School
The establishment of a Wellness Room at Port Hope High School will provide students with a quiet location to renew, reflect, chat with a caring adult or engage in relaxing activities that will provide both physical and mental relief.
Grant: $5,000
Learn more about Port Hope High School
Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
Transition House Coalition of Northumberland will assist clients in accessing a psychological assessment that will identify their specific disabilities. This will enable the individuals to access appropriate treatments and medications which will assist them in making sound decisions regarding their housing solutions and preferences. Addressing their mental health concerns will allow them to participate more effectively in all aspects of life in their communities.
Grant: $8,000
Learn more about Transition House Coalition of Northumberland
Rebound Child & Youth Services
Rebound would like to develop, facilitate and support the implementation of emotional self-regulation programming skills for children and youth, using evidence informed techniques for group and individual counselling to strengthen mental health outcomes for children.
Grant: $10,000
Learn about Saskatchewan based Cameco Fund for Mental Health grants recipients here.