The Sask Party government announced that free, rapid access counselling service will now be available to children, youth and their caregivers in Humboldt. The province’s Rapid Access Counselling Program is part of Family Service Saskatchewan, backed by $1.7 million in new annual funding. The counselling will be delivered by Partners Family Services in Humboldt. The government release states that young people can access support for challenges ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addictions and domestic violence.
"Today's expansion means that children and youth in Humboldt who are facing mental health challenges will be able to access counselling services in a timely way," Deputy Premier, Finance Minister and Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod. "Expanding capacity to get more people the help they need is a key focus of our new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions."
Family Service Saskatchewan is working with Partners Family Services to deliver the much-needed supports.
"We recognize the importance of access to timely services for improving outcomes for children and youth and their family units," PARTNERS Family Services Executive Director Hayley Kennedy said. "Bringing in new child and youth-focused mental health services to the region will increase accessibility, and ultimately lead to healthier children and youth, and healthier communities."
The release goes on to state that the province is providing Family Service Saskatchewan with $3.2 million in annual funding: $1.7 million in new funding for expanding rapid access counselling services to children and youth, and $1.5 million to provide ongoing services to adults and families.
This year, similar counselling services have been established in Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle, Oxbow, North Battleford, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. Additional communities will be announced in the coming weeks.
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