News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The Community Action Initiative (CAI), a province-wide program that supports mental health and substance use projects and innovation in B.C., is awarding $400,000 to support two mental health and substance use groups in the Cariboo. 

The projects are: Xeni Gwet'in First Nation Eniyud Health Services - The Happiness Project - $200,000

This project seeks to foster W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Youth Engagement model, with youth-adult partnership at the core, to sustain meaningful participation and involvement of young persons in South Cariboo. It is intended that the model will be developed with a Young Adult Mentorship Council and a Youth Adult Community Council, involving both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth. 

Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre - Meaningful Youth Engagement in the South Cariboo - $200,000

This project will focus on developing youth engagement and capacity through providing meaningful leadership opportunities and a ‘Friends Helping Friends’ program that connects youth with experts and community mentors in the Nemiah Valley and Williams Lake region. It is hoped that youth will be happier and feel empowered for their futures and the future of the community. 

The CAI funds strategies that promote mental health; prevent harmful use of substances and improve services and supports that enhance the recovery process for children, youth, adults and families affected by mental health problems and/or problematic substance use.

The initiative brings together pre-existing local groups that work to improve the mental health and well-being of people in their communities.

CAI is helping to change the way communities and government address mental health and substance use issues, by facilitating new partnerships that are creating innovative and culturally sensitive community based solutions. 

“I’m pleased this funding will help people living with a mental health or substance abuse problem become empowered and become contributing members of the community.”says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett   

"Our long term goal is to create local communities that are engaged in advancing innovative policy and practice around mental health and substance use. It's not just about funding services. We want to change the way communities and government address mental health." says Barb Keith, Co-Chair of the CAI Leadership Council

Quick Facts: 

• The CAI is a key component of the Province’s comprehensive 10 year plan to address mental health and substance use across the lifespan in B.C. -- Healthy Minds, Healthy People, which seeks to promote good mental health and prevent potential mental health and substance use problems for all children and youth, and facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention for children and youth vulnerable to or struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.
• The Community Action Initiative (CAI) was established through a $10-million grant from the Province of British Columbia, announced in June 2008.
• This the second round of service innovation grants. The first seven grants were made in 2010. A total of $3.75 million has been invested in projects to date. 

Learn More: 

Community Action Initiative: http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/ 

Grant recipients: http://www.communityactioninitiative.ca/funding-opportunities/successful-applicants/ 

For information on Child and Youth Mental Health programs and services in B.C., go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/

| More...