Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the week of February 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week. "Finding your Balance" is this year's theme in the NWT.
Today, I would like to speak about the importance of good mental health for every person, family and community within the NWT, and the valuable contributions made to
mental health by our Health and Social Services Authorities and non-government organizations.
As many as one in five northerners will struggle with mental illness. Most of us know someone who is directly affected by addictions, mental health, or family violence issues. We all feel the many demands in our daily lives, but as northerners we have a particular appreciation for maintaining a healthy balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Mental Health Week is an opportunity for each of us to take note of our coping skills and supports that help us deal with stress in our lives.
The Department of Health and Social Services has made it a priority to increase supports where people need them: in the communities. Some of the department's enhancements within the mental health field include:
- • the Community Counselling Program, part of the mental health and addictions core services within our integrated service delivery model. Since 2003, the program has focused on the prevention and treatment of mental health issues, addictions and family violence problems at the community level. This week, the department is pleased to host, here in Yellowknife, the second annual conference for workers in this program;
- • the FRIENDS for Life Resiliency Training Program. This program has been launched in 11 communities across the NWT, and children are receiving tools they can use to assist in maintaining a healthy balance for life. Group leaders are trained to help children develop methods to cope with stress and anxiety before they develop mental health problems such as depression;
- • training for community wellness workers through a partnership with Keyano College in Alberta since 2003-04. Students work in their home communities and participate in 10 one-week university-level modules at Aurora College in Yellowknife between September and March;
- • the Youth Net Program is a mental health promotion program for youth, lead and delivered by young people in schools and youth settings. Youth Net provides a safe place where youth can begin to talk about mental health stresses and connect with a youth-friendly support system;
- • Open Minds is an anti-stigma program that will be launched this spring. People living with mental illness will share their personal stories with youth for enlightenment and information; and
- • mental health workers are preparing for the national Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, CASP, conference in Yellowknife this coming October. This conference will bring together health professionals, volunteers, educators and many others in the mental health field who work to help prevent suicide.
Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have partnerships with non-government organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Northwest Territories division, who work closely with us in sharing information and promoting Mental Health Week.
The Canadian Mental Health Association operates the NWT Helpline that has been in existence for more than a decade. Anonymous, trained volunteers answer a countless number of calls 365 days a year on where residents can turn to for help in their community.
In closing, I would encourage everyone here to take a moment to understand how mental health issues affect the lives of northerners, and appreciate those working to improve and protect our well-being. I commend those who find balance for themselves, their families and their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.