The Creative Well-Being Initiative

The Creative Well-Being Initiative began in 2022 with the goal of improving the mental well-being of PEI’s artists and creative sector workers. During the first iteration of the project we made connections within art and mental health communities and began discussing ways in which we could achieve our goal.

The project resulted in the development of a free therapy service for artists, as well as a peer support program. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from The PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being.

The End Goal

We want the arts sector to thrive on Prince Edward Island and we know that it is not fully possible without supporting artists and creatives. We are aiming to improve the mental well-being of arts workers who often struggle with the emotional strains of making creative work, difficult working conditions, and precarious employment. We hope that by supporting artists in this way, we will also be able to identify ways that artists can support the community at large  through the use of art as a means of promoting mental well-being.

State of programming: 2026

At the moment, many of our peer support and community programs are on hold due to lack of funding. Keep an eye on our newsletter and socials for updates on when programming becomes available again.

Other Mental Health Supports

In Person Mental Health and Addictions Open Access Counselling

Open Access Counselling offers walk-in 60 minute counselling sessions across Prince Edward Island. Further assessment, use of different approaches to therapy, or referral to a specific service can be carried out if you and your clinician agree they are necessary. For hours and locations please refer to the following link:

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/mental-health-and-addictions-open-access-counselling

 

PEI Toll-free Mental Health and Addictions Phone Line

1 833-533-6983

The Toll-free Mental Health and Addictions phone line “provides Island residents access to a trained mental health professional 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This service assists in the moment when help is needed and acts as a referral source for those who may need longer-term or more in-depth assistance by linking them to appropriate programming and supports, including clinical teams who can provide in-person services at one’s residence.”

 

Bridge the gApp

Bridge the gApp is “a new way to connect with guidance and support for mental health and addictions.” The site offers educational videos in their Knowledge Centre on a variety of topics such as depression, coping with grief, burnout, etcetera, as well as a service directory organized by county as well as some online programs.

https://pei.bridgethegapp.ca/adult/

 

CMHA-PEI Learning, Training & Support Hub

The Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI Branch offers free courses, webinars, workshops, supports and events to Islanders on a variety of mental well-being topics. Check out their website for upcoming sessions.

https://pei.cmha.ca/our-programs/cmha-learning-training-support-hub/

 

Our Landing Place

A collective of 2SLGBTQIA+ identified counsellors offering sex-positive, affirming and competent virtual counselling across Canada (Turtle Island).

https://www.ourlandingplace.com/

 

AFC

AFC is an organization that supports Canadian arts and entertainment industry workers by helping them access supports and services that maintain their health, dignity and ability to work. AFC has created Navigator, a free, personalized, confidential assistance service that connects arts and entertainment industry workers to mental health resources, programs, and supports.

https://afchelps.ca/resources/navigator/