SHAUNAVON — Fresh Start Counselling is expanding the services they are providing to Shaunavon area residents.
A professional counsellor has been available in the community one day every two weeks over the past year. Starting June 4, a counsellor will be available every Wednesday and Thursday. The Counselling office is housed at the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre.
Sally Wiens, executive director of Fresh Start, is pleased with the ability to expand their services through a partnership with the Ministry of Health.
“The Ministry of Health has partnered with several organizations throughout the province and is providing additional funding to provide more mental health services in rural areas.”
She adds, “We’ve been going to Shaunavon one day every second week, but demographics have shown there is an increased need, given the calls to help lines and waiting lists for mental health services. We are expanding our counselling services to offset that and will be consistently available every Wednesday and Thursday in Shaunavon.”
Fresh Start, based in Swift Current, is in its 25th year, and its overall goal is to give people a fresh start.
“We work with families, individuals and youth. If there is a consistency with coming to the community, being located in the community on a regular basis provides the best possible opportunity for people to access the services,” Wiens says.
Wiens acknowledged that there can still be a stigma attached to going to a mental health service. Being located in the Hospital and Care Centre provides a degree of anonymity as a full range of other services are accessed by individuals at the centre.
“I’m not sure we’re there yet as a society; the more awareness we can bring, the better,” She says.
“Anxiety has become one of the largest issues for people in recent years. It’s taken a huge jump, second to none.
“Government is doing what they can to deal with this, but there is a curve in increased need that we need to get through. People are talking more and feel freer to go for help. That may have stoked the increased need, which, in many ways, is a good thing. How long have people lived with these struggles, with nowhere to go?”
Wiens provides reassurance that those struggling are not alone.
“I struggle too, just like every person walking the Earth. Just having someone to listen to you can help. In the talking, the sorting can happen. Talking to someone confidentially, who is trustworthy, that neutral person can be the ticket. It can be preventative, rather than waiting until you’re in a crisis. It’s about taking care on this journey of life. When you hit a bump, deal with it before it becomes a mountain in front of you. Mental health is every bit as important as your physical health.”
They anticipate the additional day will book up as their previous schedule has been full. There is no cost to the user for Fresh Start Counselling services. Wiens says, “Tax dollars are paying for this. We are working with public monies, so we work hard to provide excellent service. We’re grateful that we are able to provide this service to a rural community that doesn’t always have the services like urban communities do.”
Wiens encourages anyone who is thinking about their mental health and wanting it to be better or to sort something out to just call them. It doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering mental health crisis. Just talking to someone helps.
Amber Duclos is the counsellor who will be providing services in Shaunavon. Appointments are 50 minutes and can be booked by calling 306-773-8168.
