Our Story
On December 5th, 2018, my good friend and business partner died by suicide. Nothing made sense. A young man who seemingly had it all - family, friends, a successful career, many interests - was so overwhelmed that not being alive seemed like a reasonable solution. Nothing has been the same since.
He was an entrepreneur and he had mental health issues. So many people have been impacted by similar stories. It was this event that led to the creation of Sing for Mental Health. We believe in the healing powers of community and music, and our organization is based on reaching out, singing, sharing, confiding, listening, and supporting.
In the almost six years that have passed, we have held 3 major events bringing together over 600 people who care. We have raised over $30,000 to support our programs, raised awareness, and brought people together to sing, share, and support. We have donated to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa and provided scholarships to the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
The remainder of 2024 and into 2025 will be the most exciting time for us as we will be launching the Entrepreneur Peer Support Network, building an Awareness Campaign, compiling and sharing support resources, and will continue donating to like organizations. And, of course, there will be the events that bring the community together to share in the healing powers of community and music.
Phil Keast - Founder and Managing Director, Sing for Mental Health
Sing for Mental Health is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by offering programs focused on the unique mental health challenges that they face.
“Sing for Mental Health is deeply committed to improving entrepreneurs mental health. We strive everyday to ensure that all of our programs are rooted in community and music.”
— Phil, Founder of Sing for Mental Health
Meet the Team
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Phil Keast
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Throughout his career, Phil has worked with countless entrepreneurs, so many of whom are driven to make a difference in business and the world. He is deeply committed to making a difference for entrepreneurs who are experiencing mental health challenges through Sing for Mental Health’s support programs.
Contact Phil at phil@singformentalhealth.com
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Abbie Wiggin
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Abbie joins Sing for Mental Health with over 3 years experience working in the non-profit sector, working with diverse population groups and healthcare sectors. She brings passion for improving community health and wellbeing, supporting organizational initiatives, and coordinating fundraising efforts.
Contact Abbie at abbie@singformentalhealth.com
Meet our Board of Directors
Jessica Ward-King
Joan Hill-Keast
Will Rado
Ashley C. Savoie
Phil Keast
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Director
Ashley is a vibrant marketer with a flair for creativity and a heart for community betterment. She brings energy, sharp business savvy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence to her role on the board.
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Director
Mental and emotional health issues do not discriminate. Entrepreneurs are just as vulnerable as anyone else, arguably more so when you consider the stress and uncertainty of their daily jobs. Through it all they are expected to project an image of strength. As someone who lives with a permanent disability resulting from a traumatic injury, Will brings a unique perspective to these issues of perseverance and healing.
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Director
Jessica holds a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Goldsmiths College, University of London and a B.Sc. in psychology from McGill University. She also has lived experience of mental illness - bipolar disorder - and is a seasoned author, speaker and advocate for mental health, reaching audiences in person, in print and on YouTube as the StigmaCrusher [www.stigmacrusher.com].
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Director
Joan is an educator and long-time community advocate with a special passion for people's mental health and well-being. Joan has leadership and board experience within the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario. Joan possesses a special ability to challenge the status quo - always in the interest of developing creative and compassionate solutions. She is aware of the issues marginalized people face in our society.
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Director
Throughout his career, Phil has worked with countless entrepreneurs, so many of whom are driven to make a difference in business and the world. He is deeply committed to making a difference for entrepreneurs who are experiencing mental health challenges through Sing for Mental Health’s support programs.
