Camosun College and 91原创 Island University are receiving funding to train community mental-health workers.
Citing the need for mental-health support during the pandemic, the provincial government said it is investing $800,000 as part of its $10-billion COVID-19 response. The money is being shared by four post-secondary institutions.
VIU is receiving funding for 16 seats, while Camosun is getting funding for 20 seats. Castlegar鈥檚 Selkirk College and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology are also being funded.
Community mental-health workers offer such things as support with shelter and addictions counselling, and promote mental and physical well-being.
鈥淕overnment is working on ways to help B.C. recover from the impacts of COVID-19,鈥� said Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang. 鈥淭he funding we鈥檙e announcing [Monday] will support training for highly valued and respected positions working with some of B.C.鈥檚 most vulnerable citizens.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson said the addition of the training spots will have a lasting impact.
鈥淚t is institutions like Camosun College, their staff and students that are the foundation for building the comprehensive mental-health and substance-use system of care people need and deserve.鈥�
鈥� Times 91原创