NANAIMO — Incoming supports are aimed at tackling the growing number of local students dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.
The provincial Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced seven school districts, including Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, will benefit from Integrated Child and Youth teams designed to fill gaps for school and community-based substance and mental health care.
While details of how and when resources will be deployed aren’t clear at this time, School District 68 Supt. Scott Saywell has been informed four, two-member teams will be dedicated to their district.
He’s been informed each team will involve a clinical counsellor and peer support worker.
“To be part of a larger team of community members that will provide wrap-around services for students with mental health and addictions issues,” Saywell told NanaimoNewsNOW.
An orientation in the coming days will outline further details, Saywell said.
SD 68 Supt. Scott Saywell said mental health and substance abuse issues inflicting their students are increasing concerns.Any new supports around mental health and addictions are needed, Saywell said, pointing to increased needs for their student population and their families.
Saywell said mental health and addictions issues are “way up” within their district, pointing to elevated numbers of suicide assessments for students in the moderate and high-risk range.
Students experimenting with drugs, alcohol and vaping are increasing and getting “younger and younger” a concerned Saywell declared.
“We see a growing need for extra services and an ability to help parents and students connect with those services.”
Saywell said they are uniquely positioned as one of the only districts province-wide with an on-staff mental health and addictions manager to help coordinate the incoming supports.
The province envisions the new healthcare teams will meet with students where they feel most comfortable, whether that be in schools, homes or community settings.
Saywell said it will be crucial to have the incoming resources offered in a way that inclines students and their families to want support.
He said making it easy to reach out for help is essential.
“I think one of the challenges for parents is navigating the system to find the supports for their child. I think that’s one of the great barriers.”
Port Alberni based Pacific Rim school district is among the beneficiaries of the new mental health and substance use programming, which is in place in several school districts with more to come in future years.
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