In recognition of his significant contributions to mental health, eMHIC’s Executive Director, Professor Anil Thapliyal, was presented with the “Honorary Champion of the Kids Help Phone Feel Out Loud National Movement in Canada Award” by Katherine Hay, CEO and President of Kids Help Phone. The ceremony took place in Auckland, New Zealand, on May 10, 2024.
Professor Thapliyal, the Executive Director of eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC), has robust and productive relationships with Canadian health authorities, and has facilitated collaboration amongst mental health stakeholders in Canada and abroad – as highlighted by the recent eMHIC Roundtables held in Australia and New Zealand which Ms Hay and fellow Canadian Professor Andrew Greenshaw participated in.
Ms Hay said that she is “delighted to present to Professor Anil Thapliyal a deep expression of gratitude for his courage and leadership in ensuring that the landscape for mental health shifts for all the people in Canada, particularly young people coast to coast to coast. On behalf of Kids Help Phone and the young people we serve, we are pleased to recognize Professor Thapliyal as an Honorary Champion of the Kids Help Phone Feel Out Loud national movement. I am personally grateful for Professor Thapliyal for his guidance, generosity of spirit and support. It has had an extraordinary impact.”
In his acceptance speech, Professor Thapliyal expressed his humility and honor at receiving the award from such a renowned Canadian organization. He said “It is deeply humbling to receive this honor from such an iconic Canadian organisation which means a lot at both professional and personal levels. Kids Help Phone is Canada’s Most Trusted Charitable Organisation because they get the following two elements right – 1) People and 2) Trust. I look forward to continuing to extend support to Kids Help Phone as all eMHIC member countries around the world can learn so much from its unique expertise. It is for that proven capability Ms Hay has been invited by UNICEF to be part of its Expert Advisory Group for Adolescent and Youth Digital Mental Health. We can amplify the gains so much more by collaborating across borders.”
Kids Help Phone, recognised as Canada’s most trusted charitable organization, launched the Feel Out Loud movement to address the growing mental health crisis among youth. This national campaign aims to expand access to e-mental health services across Canada, emphasising the need for safe, accessible, and confidential support for young people.
