Financial support to treat mental health and addiction
Mental health challenges impact 20 per cent of people in Calgary. That means for every five people you know, one of them — maybe you — will experience a mental health issue or prolonged illness in their lifetime.
The City of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy that was approved in March has earmarked $9 million, on top of a previously announced $5 million, to help and treat those who are experiencing issues related to mental health and addiction.
CUPS has been an advocate for this strategy since early conversations began, and has been working closely with partners and stakeholders in the city to collaborate on the plan and activate community programs as fast as possible.
Change Can’t Wait!
The City of Calgary funded close to 30 projects under their Change Can’t Wait! program to gain important and tangible insight that has helped guide the development of the larger Mental Health and Addiction Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada.
One such pilot is the new Rapid Care Counselling program, a partnership with Catholic Family Service and the Calgary Homeless Foundation. This initiative is designed to connect vulnerable Calgarians with access to mental health counselling within three days.
This type of early intervention is key when it comes to mental health challenges. With the fast support and guidance, individuals and families in the community can begin building resilience and take stronger steps forward.
CUPS has a fundamental belief that being well, getting help and staying safe is a universal right of all Calgarians. All of the innovative pilots that are underway and the work to come is designed to improve access and navigation of current programs and services, enhance promotion and prevention in schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods and improve overall safety.
“The City strategy will not only improve the quality of life for those suffering, but it will put a renewed focus on improving support and accessibility to treatment in the community, resulting in a more compassionate, healthy city for all,” says Carlene Donnelly, Executive Director at CUPS.
More details on how the City funding will be allocated around Calgary will come at a later date. In the meantime, stay connected to CUPS on our website and social channels to learn more about how we are working to support vulnerable community members.