A group of community organizations in Quebec calls on Quebec residents to improve access to mental health resources other than hospitals and psychiatry on the occasion of World Mental Health Day on Monday.

Dozens of people gathered in the October cold at Saint-Louis Square, in Plateau Mont Royal borough in Montreal, at an event organized by the Quebec group for alternative mental health resources (RRASMQ).

Anne-Marie Bouthilier, co-responsible for advocacy at RRASMQ, said it is necessary to "significantly increase the public mental health network budget so that good care and support can be quickly accessible."

She said the public system "currently seems doomed to waiting, unless there is a real emergency," adding that even in these cases "it is not said that we will receive support quickly."

She also called on the government to provide better support to community groups that have an "alternative" approach.

She said, however, that before all that, the housing crisis and the issue of poverty must be addressed head on. Bouthilier said that "having decent living conditions" allows people to reduce their stress, regain their balance, and have the means to take care of their mental health.