REGINA — The provincial government has announced it is providing $200,000 in annual funding to a Regina community based organization seeking to expand its grief and trauma support services.
Caring Hearts is recipient of the funds, which will allow them to expand their counselling services across the province. They provide service to those dealing with situations such as suicides, homicides or workplace deaths, among others.
"This service will be available to citizens across the province, in person in Regina, and virtually across the rest of the province," said Moosomin-Montmartre MLA Kevin Weedmark, who was at the announcement at Caring Hearts on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr.
"People experiencing grief and trauma may be uncertain of where to go for psychological support. By expanding counselling at Caring Hearts, we want to make it easier for people to access the supports they need during a difficult time in their lives. This is very important work that truly does change lives for the better… The expansion of your counselling services will make a big difference for people who are struggling with grief, loss, and trauma. And the benefits will be felt across our province."
"Today's announcement allows Caring Hearts to expand specialized mental health support services for individuals, families, communities, and even businesses experiencing grief, loss, or trauma. Whether a loss is anticipated or sudden and traumatic, such as an overdose loss, a suicide loss, a workplace accident, homicide, or other deeply impactful events, we are here to help," Caring Hearts Executive Director Keely Wight-Young said.
She said the investment means they can now reduce wait times, provide barrier-free accessible counselling, and better respond to critical and immediate needs.
"Unaddressed grief and trauma so often underlie mental health struggles, substance overuse, and many other concerns. By expanding services, we are strengthening the overall mental health of our communities."
Debbie West, who lost her son to suicide, was at the announcement to speak of how Caring Hearts helped their own family get through a difficult and traumatic time.
"We immediately knew our family needed help and support to navigate this terrible tragedy. We tried numerous outlets, but Caring Hearts called us back immediately," West said.
"As soon as we entered Caring Hearts, we knew immediately we found a safe space to express our grief. We have continued our counselling sessions for the past 17 months, and without their support, I'm not sure how we would have survived our grief and trauma. Caring Hearts gave us the tools to work through our pain, and we learned coping strategies to accept our loss and heal our broken hearts.Caring Hearts set us up with personal counselling, group therapy sessions, and asked us to join the Provincial Suicide Loss Engagement Table, of which we have been a part of this past year.
"Caring Hearts provided immediate grief counselling to our entire family in our time of need, and they continue to guide us in our ongoing healing journey… Caring Hearts was there for us during the absolute worst time of our life, and for that, we are forever grateful."
