By rdnewsNOW staff

Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund

CMHA Central Alberta receives $17,000 grant for Crisis Counsellor program

Oct 21, 2020 | 11:19 AM

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Central is celebrating a $17,000 grant they’ve received from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund to support the Systems Navigation/Crisis Counsellor program.

The initiative is designed to meet the needs of individuals who have immediate requirements for support and are unable to use mainstream services.

CMHA officials say the Crisis Counsellor program provides people with hands-on assistance and short-term planning and support through interim crises for court or medical appointments, housing/landlord issues and appeals, as well as help for individuals with limited personal connections. CMHA added the Crisis Counsellor position in early 2019 to respond to the need for crisis supports for people with mental health issues. The program is barrier-free and does not require participants to meet any particular demographic requirements.

“Mental health services are even more important now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this pandemic has exacerbated the mental health needs of individuals and has limited normal access to the support systems people previously had in place,” said Christine Stewart, Executive Director, CMHA Alberta Central. “With this grant, we are able to assist our community members in finding stability through this difficult time. The support from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund is critical in providing continuity of services throughout this pandemic.”

“Bell Let’s Talk is pleased to support CMHA Alberta Central’s Systems Navigation/Crisis Counsellor program to help people in crisis in central Alberta gain quick access to the supports and services they need,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk. “The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund supports a diverse range of community-based organizations throughout the country, like CMHA Central Alberta, that are taking action to improve access to mental health care and working to make a positive difference through evidence-based programs that meet the needs of their communities.”

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To access the Crisis Counsellor program, call the CMHA main office at 403-342-2266 or 403-304-7662.