WEYBURN - A program that promotes positive mental health in students is expanding. Five schools will be added to the Mental Health Capacity Building initiative this fall, following a successful pilot project, including the Weyburn Comprehensive School.
The provincial government has invested an additional $800,000 in 2022-23 for Mental Health Capacity Building, bringing yearly funding to $2 million.
This expansion brings the number of schools taking part in the Mental Health Capacity Building initiative to 10. The initiative promotes positive mental health in children, youth, families and people in the community who interact with children by focusing on prevention and mental health promotion, early identification and intervention. It also helps young people better manage their feelings and increase awareness of where they can find help.
“We are very pleased with the success of the pilot and want to provide further support by expanding the program to five more schools across the province,” said Seniors, and Rural and Remote Minister Everett Hindley.
The schools join the five schools that were pilot sites for the initiative. These schools serve as resource hubs, giving students access to a range of mental health promotion and programming through collaboration between schools, communities and health care providers.
“We are pleased to expand this successful initiative into additional Saskatchewan schools, reaching more students in our province,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Providing additional mental health support in our schools is essential to provide a positive learning environment for our youth.”
The Mental Health Capacity Building initiative addresses recommendations outlined in Saskatchewan’s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan. This school-based prevention and promotion program was recommended by the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth, and helps build resilience in youth, families and communities.
The Mental Health Capacity Building program is led by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), with support from the Ministries of Health and Education. School divisions receive funding from the SHA to hire Mental Health Capacity Building staff, including a school coordinator and wellness promoter, to work in the schools.
Staff members are responsible for delivering mental health promotion and prevention programming; building capacity in others who work with children, youth and families; and supporting students through connection to community resources and supports.
