Free counselling for children and youths launches in Humboldt

Saskatchewan is expanding its rapid-access counselling program to Humboldt.

That means young people can access free counselling for issues ranging from stress and depression to family conflict, addiction and more. Through the program, children and youths will also be connected to any addition or ongoing support they may require.

Donna Harpauer, Saskatchewan’s deputy premier, said the expansion means good news for those in need of help with mental health.

“Today’s expansion means that children and youth in Humboldt who are facing mental health challenges will be able to access counselling services in a timely way,” Harpauer said in a statement.

The program in Humboldt is being delivered by PARTNERS Family Services. Hayley Kennedy, that organization’s executive director, said the expansion will make the services much more accessible for young people in Humboldt.

“We recognize the importance of access to timely services for improving outcomes for children and youth and their family units,” Kennedy said in a statement.

“Bringing in new child and youth-focused mental health services to the region will increase accessibility, and ultimately lead to healthier children and youth, and healthier communities.”

The province is directing $1.7 million in annual funding toward Family Service Saskatchewan to expand the program, which has already launched in Carlyle, Estevan, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Oxbow, Weyburn and Yorkton.

“Additional communities will be announced in the coming weeks,” the provincial government noted.

“Under the new Action Plan, rapid access counselling for children and youth will expand to all 24 locations of Family Service Saskatchewan where these services are currently available for adults.”

The Ministry of Health said it is investing a record total of $518 million into mental health and addictions services for 2023-24.