Kindersley, Leader, Unity, Rosetown and Biggar are all set to benefit from the Government of Saskatchewan's recent announcement to, "expand its free, rapid access counselling services to children, youth and their caregivers across the province." This announcement comes after new rapid access counselling services was unveiled for youth in Humboldt last week.
The news is a result of $1.7 million in new annual funding for Family Service Saskatchewan
"Expanding free rapid access counselling services to children and youth is key to addressing the mental health issues that many youth are dealing with today," Kindersley MLA Ken Francis said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod. "Being able to connect young people to timely, accessible counselling services is crucial for improving their wellbeing."
Aimed towards children and youth, the government release states that supports exist for challenges like stress and depression, to family conflict, addictions and domestic violence. The young population "will be connected to any ongoing supports they may need" according to the release.
The service will be performed by the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre. The centre currently provides rapid access counselling in Kindersley, Leader, Unity, Rosetown and Biggar, on behalf of Family Service Saskatchewan.
"Our agency is excited to bring rapid access counselling for children and youth to west-central Saskatchewan communities," West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre Executive Director Michelle Weber said. "Many of our children and youth are trying to navigate challenging needs and requesting supports. Our team is encouraged to offer this rapid, person-centered programming that helps our children, youth and their families to thrive and heal."
The $1.7 million in funding for youth joins the 1.5 million to provide ongoing services to adults and families, for a total of $3.2 million in annual funding. The government release states that "under the province's new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, rapid access counselling for children and youth will expand to all 24 locations of Family Service Saskatchewan where these services are currently available for adults."
Find the full government release here.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
