The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today approximately $245,000 in funding to support mental health services offered through the Strongest Families Institute. This program provides readily available services with a trained mental health coach for any child, youth or adult in the province.
Strongest Families is widely recognized for its high-quality, accessible and award-winning programs aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of people of all ages through the provision of highly skilled coaches and innovative technology.
The institute recently launched its expanded Stepped Care programming, which increases accessibility while removing barriers to care. Families with children ages three and up can gain quick access regardless of where they live or when they need it. Coaches will teach positive coping skills to promote mental wellness and prevent behaviour, anxiety and depression from worsening.
Since its implementation in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2015, the program has served thousands of children and families, and is available to parents/guardians of a child or youth experiencing anxiety or behavioural concerns as well as adults looking for support.
To learn more about access to these services, visit Strongest Families Institute, call 1-866-470-7111 or visit Bridge the gapp online.
Supporting Strongest Families Institute aligns with recommendations from Health Accord NL to support the community sector and the social determinants of health.
Quotes
“This investment represents a continued commitment to fostering safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all children, youth and families throughout the province. Strongest Families further helps complement other readily available programs and supports such as Doorways walk-in clinics and the Provincial Warm Line.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“We are so grateful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their commitment to improved mental health and well-being. These additional funds, coupled with our Stepped Care programming means we can equip more families with valuable skills to promote, prevent, and improve mental health and well-being in the broader population. Most people report that Strongest Families skills have been life changing. With these new enhancements and additional funding, we can bring these life-changing skills to children, youth, and families when they need us. We are proud to partner with the government to bring these and our adult mental health program to residents at no cost. We welcome people to make Strongest Families skills part of their mental fitness routine.”
Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie
President and CEO, Strongest Families Institute
-30-
Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL