(ID 54457830 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$4 MILLION TO ORGANIZATIONS

Alberta government invests in youth mental health and suicide prevention

Sep 10, 2024 | 4:54 PM

The Government of Alberta is investing $4 million into various organizations in an effort to improve the mental health of young people and increase access to suicide prevention supports.

According to government officials, the Youth Suicide Prevention Program is supporting 17 organizations across the province to enhance programs so they meet the needs of youth who may be at increased risk, and improve access for Indigenous and rural communities. Officials say this includes fostering strong community partnerships and safe spaces that create a greater sense of belonging for young people.

“Young people struggling with their mental health or thinking about suicide deserve to know that there is help available to them. These grants highlight the valuable work done by our partners throughout the province, ensuring youth can feel hope for their future,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Dan Williams.

The government says grant recipients were chosen for programming that supports target priority youth populations, including Indigenous youth, and addressing unique community needs. Officials say the Red Deer Native Friendship Society’s grant will allow it to continue empowering gender-diverse Indigenous youth through activities rooted in culture and ceremony.

“Our Connect to Culture, Connect to Wellness program has been successful in helping two-spirit and gender-diverse youth feel more confident about their identities,” said Nadette Agecoutay, program director for the society. “We are so thankful we can continue this program and make a positive difference for many more youth.”

SEEKING APPLICANTS SOON

Economic development: Temporary committee to advise council on governance options

12h ago

PENDING ADMINISTRATION REPORT

Council to consider offering operational grant funding to community organizations

16h ago

198 Sales Last Month

Red Deer home sales rise in August and year-over-year

16h ago

Funds are also going toward a new pilot program at the C.L. Whole You Foundation in Leduc. The program aims to reduce stigma and isolation by normalizing conversations about emotions and increasing education and awareness among Indigenous youth, as well as recent immigrant and refugee youth.

The full list of recipients includes:

• Alexandra Community Health Centre – Calgary Region
• Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills – South Region
• Centre for Suicide Prevention – Provincial
• Chard Métis Community Association – North Region
• C.L. Whole You Foundation – Edmonton Region
• Creating Hope Society of Alberta – Edmonton Region
• Elizabeth Metis Settlement – Elizabeth Metis Settlement
• Free Play for Kids Inc. – Edmonton Region
• Gift Lake Metis Settlement – Gift Lake Metis Settlement
• HIV West Yellowhead Society – North Region
• Imagine Institute for Learning – Provincial
• Red Deer Native Friendship Society – Central Region
• Terra Centre for Teen Parents – Edmonton Region
• The Governors of the University of Calgary – Provincial
• The Young Men’s Christian Association of Edmonton – North Region
• WestView Physician Collaborative NPC – Edmonton Region
• White Feather Outdoor Cultural Experiences – North Region

“Alberta’s future is bright because of our young people. It’s important we make sure they feel supported, loved and valued so that does not change. I’m grateful our government is supporting so many organizations stepping up to help struggling youth and reignite their zest for life,” said Searle Turton, minister of children and family services.

Since its launch in 2022, government officials say the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant program has supported about 930 youth directly, and more than 1,100 individuals have received information or been connected to mental health resources to support youth in their community. In March 2024, provincial officials say Alberta’s government renewed the program for two more years and increased funding by $1 million.

—

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the rdnewsNOW newsletter by visiting rdnewsNOW.com. You can also download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.