Whereas BC is currently experiencing a mental health crisis; And whereas there is a lack of publicly funded and accessible bereavement services for adults, young adults, and youth in our community despite the enormous toll the loss of loved ones has on mental health: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia to include funding for non-profit, publicly accessible bereavement services in the BC Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Plan.
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions The Province recognizes the enormous toll the loss of loved ones has on mental health. Under A Pathway to Hope: A roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia government provided grant funding to 49 organizations to provide counselling in communities across BC for those experiencing a continuum of challenges including grief and loss. Other examples of A Pathway to Hope initiatives that expand access to counselling and other mental health services include: - In April 2020, government launched Here2Talk, a free and confidential 247 mental health counselling and referral service for all post-secondary students in BC. - BounceBack program is a free skill-building and coaching program for youth 13 and adults experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. - Foundry offers free, confidential and age-friendly supports for young people ages 12-24, including mental health care, substance use services, medical services, youth and family peer supports, and social services both online and in person in communities across BC. We are actively working with the Ministry of Health and health authorities expanding and improving how services are delivered with trauma-informed, culturally safe, and person-centered care, and are engaged in ongoing dialogue regarding improving access to counselling services A Pathway to Hope: A roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia URL: https:www2.gov.bc.caassetsgovbritish-columbians-our-governmentsinitiati… Here2Talk URL: https:here2talk.ca BounceBack URL: https:bouncebackbc.ca Foundry URL: https:foundrybc.ca