Indigenous family support program introduced

VICTORIA—Indigenous families who have young children that are in need of mental wellness support will have new options thanks to a new provincial program.

We Are Indigenous: Big Worries/Fears Parent/Caregiver Support Program was developed with an Indigenous advisory group with the support of the provincial government. The program builds on the Confident Parents: Thriving Kids anxiety program offered by CHMA BC where trained coaches help individuals build skills and strategies that help improve mental health and family matters.

“We want Indigenous families to have access to the mental-health support they need, so little problems don’t become big ones,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The Big Worries/Fears program is guided by traditional knowledge from Indigenous communities and will help parents support their children by working together as a family.”

People can learn about indigenous-centred wellness practices and strategies. The program is delivered in several ways including short online videos and telephone coaching.