More than half a million dollars going to boost Calgary counselling services

Jul 31 2018, 12:46 am

Counselling services around Calgary are about to get a boost from the Government of Alberta.

According to a release from the provincial government, a total of $566,000 will be going towards expanding the City’s community-based counselling service, which includes services in surrounding rural areas and Indigenous communities.

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The funding will allow for 1,120 more Albertans to be helped each year, adding to the 54,000 that are already provided services through the programs.

The release states that half of those 1,120 people are expected to be children and youth.

“The work of the Calgary Counselling Centre makes such a difference in the lives of so many children, youth, and families,” said Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman in the release.

“Our government is proud to support this life-changing work, and will continue to strengthen mental health services and help connect Albertans to the supports they need.”

A new virtual technology pilot will also be introduced to better connect people in rural Alberta with the counsellors, mental health treatments, and resources that are located at the centre.

“This funding will increase capacity for counselling and supports for children, youth and adults living in Calgary, in surrounding rural areas, and nearby Indigenous communities,” said Robbie Babins-Wagner, the CEO of the Calgary Counselling Centre, in the release.

“We are pleased to be part of the solution by increasing counselling services and piloting new strategies in the use of virtual technology.”

The half million dollar grant is part of the Government of Alberta’s mental health initiative, which aims to support Albertans with mental health or addiction issues following 2015’s Valuing Mental Health review.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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