January 17, 2012
More Support For Vancouver Mental Health and Substance Use Groups
VANCOUVER - The Community Action Initiative (CAI), a province-wide program that supports mental health and substance use projects and innovation in B.C., is awarding $391,735 to support two mental health and substance use groups in Vancouver.
The projects are:
- Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House - Frames Film Project: Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma - $194,735
- This project aims to provide training, mentorship and an artistic outlet for a diverse group of marginalized Vancouver-based youth ages 16-24 through film-making. It is hoped that through the media of film, youth would gain greater awareness of the stigma associated with mental health and addictions; moreover, youth will have the opportunity to shape community dialogue through the presentation of their issues and ideas through film.
- Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society - Culturally Relevant Land-Based Practice as a Path to Holistic and Sustainable Urban Wellness - $197,000
- This project will offer food gardening, harvesting and preparation programming, taught by elders and knowledge keepers, to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth age 12-15 at the UBC Institute for Aboriginal Health Teaching and Research Garden in Vancouver. The program will incorporate a rite of passage ceremony for all participants to empower youth and mark their transition into adolescence.
Why this matters:
- The CAI funds strategies that promote mental health; prevent harmful use of substances and improve services and supports that enhance the recovery process for children, youth, adults and families affected by mental health problems and/or problematic substance use.
- The initiative brings together pre-existing local groups that work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in their communities.
- CAI is helping to change the way communities and government address mental health and substance use issues, by facilitating new partnerships that are creating innovative and culturally sensitive community based solutions.
Quotes:
“Substance use and mental health issues are complicated issues that don’t discriminate by age. These funds will support innovative projects to assist youth trying to overcome these complex problems.”
Vancouver-Point Grey MLA Christy Clark
“Each of us has a role in supporting children, youth, adults and families facing mental health and substance use challenges. That’s why government invested $10-million to create the Community Action Initiative – to support collaborative, community-based activities to improve the mental health and well-being of all British Columbians.”
Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development
"Our long term goal is to create local communities that are engaged in advancing innovative policy and practice around mental health and substance use. It's not just about funding services. We want to change the way communities and government address mental health."
Barb Keith, Co-Chair of the CAI Leadership Council
Quick Facts:
The CAI is a key component of the Province’s comprehensive 10 year plan to address mental health and substance use across the lifespan in B.C. -- Healthy Minds, Healthy People, which seeks to promote good mental health and prevent potential mental health and substance use problems for all children and youth, and facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention for children and youth vulnerable to or struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.
- The Community Action Initiative (CAI) was established through a $10-million grant from the Province of British Columbia, announced in June 2008.
- This the second round of service innovation grants. The first seven grants were made in 2010. A total of $3.75 million has been invested in projects to date.
Learn More:
Community Action Initiative: http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/
Grant recipients:
http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/funding-opportunities/successful-applicants/
For information on Child and Youth Mental Health programs and services in B.C., go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/
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