Financing is part of a commitment $100 million to support those most affected by COVID-19
BARRIE, OP, March 17, 2023 /CNW/ – The government of Canada is committed to promoting positive mental health for all, particularly those who face disproportionate challenges due to discrimination, socioeconomic status or social exclusion.
Today, the Honorable Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, on behalf of the Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $666.054 in funding for The Gilbert Center for Social and Support Services to support the mental health needs of queer, transgender and questioning youth.
The project will build on Gilbert Center’s existing QT (Queer, Trans) Youth Connection Discord program, a walk-in space for queer, transgender and queried youth ages 12 to 29 in Simcoe County, Ontario. It aims to reduce social isolation and related mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing young people with access to supportive spaces and activities to build resilience, as well as social support through a virtual space. staff, fellow supporters and street workers. The project will also help educate community partners, such as the Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School, as well as other partners, by offering introductory sessions on how to best support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Today’s investment builds on the government’s historic announcement of Canada made in February of $198.6 billion more than 10 years to improve healthcare for Canadians, eliminate surgical backlogs, support healthcare workers, and improve integrated mental health and substance use services. We will continue to do what is necessary to provide all Canadians – including youth – with the mental health and substance use support they need, when and where they need it.
Quotes
“As we recover from the pandemic, our government recognizes the importance of supporting the mental health and substance use needs of youth, particularly individuals from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities who already face disproportionate challenges to their mental health. working on improvement from Canada universal healthcare, today’s funding will help the Gilbert Center for Social and Support Services provide a safe, open space to reduce isolation and increase support for these communities.”
The Dear Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health
“As an MP for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, it encourages me to see the work being done in my community to provide a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. The Gilbert Center for Social and Support Services is an important part of Barrywhile continuing to advocate for social justice, health equity and human rights.”
Dear Leah Taylor Roy
Member of Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
“Virtual programming has given young people much more access to the Gilbert Center to get resources and also to build community. It is incredible to see LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas connecting with each other and service providers in the area , and know they have a community around them and can build a support network within it.The young people continue to impress us with their ability to advocate for their mental health needs and use the skills and resources when they get it.”
Jay Staats
Family and Youth Program Supervisor, The Gilbert Center for Social and Support Services
Quick Facts
- The government of Canada is committed to supporting the mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
- Mental health promotion and prevention of mental illness are critical components of well-being and can help reduce strain on the health care system. Community-based mental health promotion projects have the potential to improve health outcomes across the life course.
- Renison University College, at the University of Waterloohosts a Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub (KDE Hub) for mental health advancement to support the projects funded through this investment to help build a community of shared interests in optimizing mental health advancement and the prevention of mental illness throughout Canada.
- The Wellness Together Canada portal provides free access to educational content, self-guided therapy, moderated peer-to-peer support, and one-on-one counseling with qualified health professionals. If you or a loved one is having a hard time, you can access the Wellness Together Canada Portalor call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth).
- Kids Help Phone is also available 24/7 with e-mental health service that provides free, confidential support to young people in English and French.
Associated links
SOURCE National Public Health Service of Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2023/17/c5694.html