A spike in suicides prompting the United Way of Saint John, Kings and Charlotte to increase access to mental health counselling in Saint John.
The organization has increased the subsidy they provide to Family Plus Life Solutions in Saint John.
Executive Director Wendy MacDermott tells us they already provide $95,000 in subsidized counselling during the year.
“We anticipated with all of the recent tragedies they might see a spike and we wanted to make sure there wasn’t a wait time. If a whole bunch of people came at once they would be able to accommodate that demand and get them in really quickly.” MacDermott said.
MacDermott says the Bridge of Hope event on Monday night serves to remind everyone that mental health challenges are normal.
“It’s something that so many people face and struggle with and it’s not anything to be ashamed of. When you need help, ask for it right away.” MacDermott said.
MacDermott says one of the statistics they are trying to counter is on average it takes about a year for someone who is struggling to tell their closest friends and family.
The United Way is also working with Family Plus and Addictions and Mental Health on longer-term solutions and that includes a single-point-of-entry project to help people get the help they need.
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