Office of the Premier
Early intervention and support for those in their teens and twenties struggling with mental health issues received an added boost with $1 million funding for programs at Coast Mental Health, announced Health Minister Terry Lake.
The funding will support Coast Mental Health’s at-risk youth program, which provides housing and support for youth between the ages of 18 and 25 who are living with mental illness. This successful program provides transition services for early psychosis and intervention, dedicated housing, youth peer support and employment and education opportunities.
“This age range is often a critical time to identify and properly support those with early signs of mental health symptoms,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “The programs and supports offered at Coast Mental Health are vital to helping these young people effectively manage their own mental health and lead productive lives.”
“The effects on society of untreated mental illness are well documented. I admire those who battle with the burden of their illnesses and especially those who care for them,” said Finance Minister Michael de Jong. “The work by those at Coast Mental Health not only helps reduce that burden, but they also save lives.”
According to Coast Mental Health, between 10% and 20% of Canadian youth are affected by mental illness or a related disorder and one in 100 children will develop schizophrenia during their lifetime. Mental disorders in youth represent the second-highest hospital care expenditures in Canada.
“Since 1972, Coast Mental Health has been providing support and services for those struggling with mental health issues,” said Coast Mental Health chief executive officer Britt Andersen. “This support from the Government of B.C. helps to provide more resources for young people with mental health issues and allows them find their place in the workforce and in society.”
This funding supports commitments made in the Province’s mental health action plan. The plan includes programs and strategies that will improve care for patients with severe addiction and mental health needs and includes programs such as an Assertive Outreach Team and the Inner City Youth team.
“My involvement in the Courage to Comeback Awards has given me unique insight into the importance of the work done by programs such as these for at-risk youth,” said chair, Courage to Come Back Awards, Lorne Segal. “Funding like this is so important to the clients of Coast Mental Health as they find resources and a better way of life in a community that cares about their long-term well-being.”
Coast Mental Health is a non-profit society, which provides services to assist people recovering from serious mental illness. Operating in the Lower Mainland, they provide supportive housing for close to 1,200 people and access to a wide variety of programs and services for 3,500 clients.
Learn More:
Coast Mental Health: http://www.coastmentalhealth.com/
Improving Health Services for Individuals with Severe Addiction and Mental Illness plan:
Media Contacts:
Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)
Susan Thom
Media Relations
Coast Mental Health
604 230-1301
