MAPLE RIDGE – New Democrat MLAs Lisa Beare and Bob D’Eith say that people in Maple Ridge will continue to benefit from low and no-cost counselling services with the extension of funding for two local community agencies.

“After the last few years, the need for accessible mental health services has been more clear than ever, and we know that need is growing,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “That’s why our government is extending funding for these important and lifesaving counselling services.”

Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services and the Cythera Transition House Society are among 49 local community agencies in B.C. that 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.

“It’s no secret that people can face barriers to accessing counselling,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “Between navigating two public health crises and the extreme weather events of the past year, we know that offering low-cost mental health services is essential.”

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: Province extends free, affordable community counselling services | BC Gov News

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