Canadian ICMIF member Beneva has announced an agreement with the Faculty of Health at Toronto’s York University to support research aimed at enhancing assessment and treatment supports for individuals coping with anxiety, one concrete step at a time. It will invest CAD 200,000 to create the Anxiety Research Fund, powered by Beneva, a unique applied research fund in the Faculty of Health entirely dedicated to accelerating research into this important issue. Anxiety prevention is the theme that guides Beneva’s social and philanthropic action nationwide.

“We’re proud to partner with York University’s Faculty of Health, which is well-respected in the field of mental health research. We’re confident that the findings of the research projects supported by the Anxiety Research Fund, powered by Beneva, will have a tangible impact on the well-being of the community,” affirmed Jean-François Chalifoux, President and Chief Executive Officer of Beneva.

Researchers who benefit from this fund will collaborate with community partners to ensure that findings are translated into structured projects to benefit the community. York’s Faculty of Health has a large group of researchers and is recognised across Canada for its innovative research into mental health issues.

“We are delighted to embark on this relationship with Beneva, as it leverages York University’s commitment and leadership in mental health research. This partnership will build upon the Faculty of Health’s expertise in anxiety-related research, by supporting research teams to implement and scale community-based programs, and to explore novel and innovative ways to identify, manage, and reduce the manifestations of anxiety,” added Susan Murtha, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Health.

Beneva recently announced it was investing one million dollars in projects targeting anxiety, which is a condition experienced by close to a third of all Canadians. Other initiatives related to raising awareness about anxiety and its prevention were announced earlier this year.