Stepping Up for Mental Health

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Step Up for Mental Health Cameco banner

You've made a huge difference for mental health in Northumberland County and Blind River, helping to raise more than $440,000 since 2019.

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Grant application process now open. 

The Cameco Fund for Mental Health has opened its grant application to support mental health organizations and initiatives in the Blind River and Northumberland County areas. The application period for the fund opens on October 1, 2024.

The Cameco Fund for Mental Health is managed through the Saskatoon Community Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of local mental health professionals and representatives from Cameco. The grant application is open to registered charities, non-profits, and organized groups. The deadline for online applications is 5 p.m. on October 30, 2024.

All funds will be disbursed to organizations undertaking projects that promote or protect mental health in the Blind River and Northumberland County areaa.  

For more information on applying to the Cameco Fund for Mental Health, please visit https://saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca/grants/cameco-fund-for-mental-health-ontario/ 
or call 306-665-1766.


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.

Six more years of Step Up events have followed including a global virtual run/walk 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.

Most recently, Cameco organized three Step Up events in Ontario for 2024. Participants could register for a 5K run/walk in Cobourg, a golf tournament in Blind River, or a golf tournament in Port Hope - or all three!

In May, over 700 participants laced up their shoes to participate in a 5K fun run/walk at Victoria Park in Cobourg. Participants were treated to a fun, inspirational experience on a beautiful course that highlighted Cobourg’s historic downtown core and waterfront parks. Every dollar of entry fees, plus a matching amount from Cameco, supported the Cameco Fund for Mental Health (established through the Saskatoon Community Foundation). Over $78,000 was raised for local mental health initiatives in Northumberland County. 

Participation was free for individuals who struggle with addictions and/or mental health issues. A staff member/formal support person accompanying someone in this category could also sign up for free.

Two golf tournaments followed in the spring, raising an additional $30,000 for the Cameco Fund for Mental Health - the third annual Blind River Cameco Charity Golf Tournament which took place on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Huron Pines Golf & Country Club in Blind River and the Port Hope Golf Tournament at Dalewood Golf Club on June 14, 2024. 

Step Up for Mental Health, powered by Cameco, recognizes the importance of, and need for, mental health resources in the local community and that funding for mental health services is essential to helping improve access and support for those who need it.

Through the Step Up for Mental Health initiative we want to promote a healthy lifestyle, involve our employees, and support mental health projects that will make a difference in our community.

Since its inception in 2019, the Step Up events have raised over $440,000 in Northumberland County and Blind River, Ontario and more than $2.4 million in Saskatchewan to support mental health. Thanks to Cameco Fund for Mental Health support, a total of 166 grants have been awarded to support various projects that work to address and support mental health in Northumberland County and Blind River in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

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

Learn more about Sounds of the Next Generation

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

Learn more about W.C. Eaket Secondary School

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.


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 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

Learn more about St. Mary's Catholic School

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 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 more about Rebound Child & Youth Services

Learn about Saskatchewan based Cameco Fund for Mental Health grants recipients here.


Video of inaugural event