NDP MLAs say community counselling service will be extended for people in Greater Victoria

VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore and Mitzi Dean say that people in Victoria and the Westshore will continue to benefit from low and no-cost counselling services with the extension of funding.

“The past few years have brought challenges for people around Victoria, and reminded us all of the importance of caring for our own mental health,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “I’m so grateful for these local organizations who have built trust in our community and connect people in need with compassionate, understanding mental health counselling.”

Across B.C, 49 local community agencies are receiving extended funding to continue their community counselling service. The New Democrat government is investing $4.2 million to support this ongoing service for people across the province. In Greater Victoria, the following organizations will continue to offer free or affordable counselling for people:

  • PEERS Victoria Resources Society
  • Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society
  • Pacific Centre Family Services Association
  • Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees

“The mental health of our community members has been impacted but the ongoing pandemic, the toxic drug crisis, and the traumatizing discoveries at residential schools,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “I want people to know that help is available, and I want to thank these organizations for their commitment to supporting people in our community.”

This funding builds on investments that New Democrats have been making since 2019 to reduce barriers to mental-health supports for people throughout the province. During the pandemic, additional funding was provided to more community counselling organizations to help them offer these vital services virtually. Since 2019, over 100,000 counselling sessions have been provided to people as a result.

Expansion of affordable community counselling services is one way government is improving access and quality of care, and it is a key pillar outlined in A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for creating a seamless, comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care that works for everyone.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022MMHA0006-000115

For a complete list of all funded community counselling agencies, visit:  https://caibc.ca/ccfprofiles/