Vancouver Island refugee, immigrant counselling centre to see new funding
The B.C. government announced new funding for a refugee and immigrant counselling centre on Vancouver Island.
According to a release from the province, it is providing $375,000 in funding for the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR) over the next three years.
The Centre offers counselling services to immigrants and refugees of all ages from all over Vancouver Island, and the province says those services are now set to become more affordable.
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It offers counselling in each respective client’s first language, if possible, and currently bases service costs on a client’s income.
However, if the client cannot afford the service then it is free.
Adrienne Carter, director of services at the Centre, says the funding is coming at the right time adding the number of people on Vancouver Island looking for services is “rapidly increasing.”
“Most of these families do not speak English and are not able to access mental health resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate … this grant will allow our centre to continue to provide holistic mental health services to the entire family.”
“Immigrants and refugees and their children who come to B.C. often suffer from the devastating effects of displacement and trauma,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside added.
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“This funding will help them get the help they need and deserve in their own language and to get the best possible start on their journey to wellness.”
Minister of State for Child Care and Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore says this funding will help young immigrants and refugees “thrive in B.C.”
“There is an urgent need to support people, including children and young immigrants and refugees struggling with mental health challenges across the province,” she said.
The province’s announcement comes on World Refugee Day, which honours those who have been forced to leave their home countries.
It adds that over 700 immigrants and refugees from 80 countries have received care at the VICCIR.
