Photo 158073611 © Dedmityay | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW staff

Mental Health Support

Provincial government aiming to provide hope for struggling youth

Mar 6, 2024 | 10:29 AM

Alberta’s government says it is committed to preventing youth suicide and improving the mental health and well-being of young people.

Provincial officials acknowledge that youth suicides are unimaginable losses with long-lasting impacts on their loved ones and communities. To ensure those struggling have confidence that help is always available when they need it, Alberta’s government says it is increasing funding for the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program by $1 million. Officials say this brings total investment to more than $4 million over the next two years.

“Youth deserve to feel heard, supported, valued and loved, especially when they are suffering,” explains Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services. “Alberta’s government is proud to support the amazing work youth organizations across the province do to provide early intervention and youth suicide prevention supports, and to help ensure youth have a bright future.”

A province-wide initiative, officials say this program focuses on helping youth populations at increased risk and enhancing crucial community and suicide prevention supports. The government says grant funding will be distributed equitably to selected community organizations across the province that work to expand the capacity of existing suicide-prevention initiatives, or pilot new, innovative initiatives that address identified suicide-prevention gaps and unique community needs.

“Anyone facing mental health challenges or thinking about suicide deserves to know help is available and recovery is possible,” adds Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The continuation of this funding will ensure access to these prevention services across the province.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

Since the grant launched in 2022, government officials say approximately 927 youth have been directly supported through the grant program, and more than 1,100 individuals have been provided with information and connected to mental health resources to support youth in their community.

Officials say renewal of the program builds on the ongoing work government is doing to implement evidence-based interventions that address mental health and addictions and provide youth with hope of a better future.

“The work we have been able to accomplish at Y Mind Program thanks to our Youth Suicide Prevention Grant underscores the critical importance of investing in youth suicide prevention,” shares Jackie McGowan, vice president, YMCA of Northern Alberta. “This is a transformative seven-week mental wellness initiative tailored to youth aged 13-18 grappling with mild to moderate anxiety. We have witnessed a profound shift in participants’ well-being. The majority of youth emerge from the program with heightened resilience, experiencing a notable decrease in symptoms associated with generalized anxiety and reduced feelings of loneliness.”

Applications opened on March 4 and will be issued on two-year terms starting July 1, 2024. The application deadline is April 15, 2024.

—

Download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.