DURHAM: Today, Lindsey Park, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham, and Lorne Coe, Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby, announced by video approximately $450,000 in funding for organizations that are providing critical mental health resources and services to children and youth in Durham Region. Funding is being provided to the following local organizations:
• Kinark Children & Family Services Durham–$315,100 • Durham Family Court Clinic-$20,000 • Resources for Exceptional Children & Youth, Durham Region–$20,000 • Frontenac Youth Services–$100,000
“We know how important mental health is, and that is why the Government is providing funding for critical mental health supports and services to help the children, youth and families of Durham Region” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Chief Government Whip. “This funding is another example of how the Government is working to provide a more connected mental health and addictions system to serve communities now, and into the future.”
Across the province, the Ontario government is providing $24.3 million in targeted investments to hire additional staff, increase access to counselling and therapy, create new programs to help manage stress, depression and anxiety, and address eating disorders and other challenges facing children and youth. This funding is part of the Government’s $176 million investment in the Roadmap to Wellness, a comprehensive plan to build a fully connected mental health and addictions system across the province. “Kids struggling with mental health challenges need help now more than ever. The resources announced today can make all the difference.” said Lindsey Park, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham.
“As the lead agency for child and youth mental health in Durham, Kinark Child and Family Services, welcomes the recent investment to expand critical mental health services for children and youth,” said Cathy Paul, President and CEO, Kinark Child and Family Services. “Waits for service are unreasonably long and this investment in Durham will help us reach kids in crisis sooner, provide more counselling and therapy, and support families and caregivers with children and youth with complex mental health challenges. During the pandemic, kids need help more than ever and we welcome this investment as an important first step.”
“It has been a challenging time for everyone, especially for youth and children with mental Health issues. That’s why our government is investing millions to enhance capacity and access to critical frontline services,” said Rod Phillips MPP for Ajax. “The funds will help in hiring additional staff and create new programs. It will also provide supports for families and caregivers of children and youth with mental health and addictions challenges.”
“This is a great announcement for the residents of Pickering-Uxbridge and across the Durham Region during a challenging time for many of our kids and young people,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By making these targeted investments our government is making it easier for our children and youth to access the mental health and addictions services they need.”
Comments