The Co-operators supports Kids Help Phone's BroTalk™ 

GUELPH, ON, Oct. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Starting today, young men going through a difficult time have access to a new support zone designed specifically for guys aged 14 to 18. With the help of sponsors including The Co-operators, Kids Help Phone today launched BroTalk^TM, which includes professional counselling, a mobile-friendly website and a downloadable chat app.

Young men account for three quarters of all suicides among those between the ages of 15 and 24. Yet only 23 per cent of those who call Kids Help Phone are male. BroTalk^TM fundamentally changes the ways in which young men can reach out and access the help they need. Developed and tested with teenage guys, it is the first collection of support services in Canada focused specifically on addressing male mental health issues.

"Too often, young men don't seek help when they're going through difficult times and struggling with mental health issues. We want to help change that," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "BroTalk^TM  is a way to appeal to these young men, to make them more comfortable in reaching out confidentially to chat with someone who can help."

Canadians are encouraged to help young guys get over the stigma associated with mental health issues. To help Kids Help Phone start the conversation, share the BroTalk^TM website and the #BroTalk social media conversation with a young male in your life.

The Co-operators has donated $45,000 to support BroTalk^TM. Kids Help Phone, a national bilingual service that offers free counselling on an anonymous, confidential basis by phone and online, 24 hours a day. Some 500 young people reach out every day to access professional counselling from Kids Help Phone.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $40 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators