Local counselling organizations receive funding to address rising demand
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PRINCE GEORGE- The province is extending funding to low and no-cost local counselling services across the province. $4.2 million is going to support 49 community agencies to provide counselling services for people, particularly those in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. This is part of the government efforts to meet the growing demand for mental health care and services caused by the pandemic.
Six of the agencies are located in the north, four of which are in Prince George. The PG branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Central Interior Native Health Society and the PG Native Friendship Centre are all recipients.
Expanding community counselling services is one pillar identified in the Pathway to Hope report, which focuses on improving mental health and addictions care for British Columbians. Meanwhile, the Quesnel Women’s Resource Centre and Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society in Houston are also funding recipients.
“When people make the brave decision to seek help for their mental health and well-being, we want them met with care, regardless of their location or pocketbook. In the early days of the pandemic, community counselling groups helped us transform mental-health care delivery and, with our funding, reached thousands of people,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
