Released on August 31, 2021
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $225,000 over the next three years, equaling $75,000 per year, to Kids Help Phone (KHP). This is an increase of $27,000 per year compared to 2020-21.
The increased funding will be used to promote the KHP e-mental health services to students, staff and families to ensure students have easy access to support when needed.
"Student mental health is always incredibly important, and even more so this week as students return to school," Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Kids Help Phone is a valued partner with government and provides students with a safe place to reach out if they need someone to talk to."
KHP is available in both English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via phone, text, website and Facebook. KHP's Resources Around Me database provides children and youth with the opportunity to search for resources in the local community, including counsellor and mental health support.
“As back-to-school approaches, we are grateful for the generous on-going funding we receive from the Government of Saskatchewan. Today’s announcement of new and additional funding means that we can continue to innovate to meet the critical needs of youth in Saskatchewan,” Kids Help Phone President and CEO Katherine Hay said. “Whether by phone, text or through our dynamic new Gateway website, young people can connect with us whenever, wherever and however they want or need. Kids Help Phone is the only 24/7 bilingual e-mental health service for youth in Canada and we thank the Premier and the Minister for ensuring the youth of Saskatchewan have the support they need, particularly now during these unprecedented and challenging times.”
This funding is in addition to the nearly $500,000 the government committed last year to offer Mental Health First Aid training to school divisions, with the intent to have at least one staff member trained in each school in Saskatchewan's 27 school divisions.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, KHP can be reached by calling 1-800-686-6868, texting 686868 or chatting online at https://kidshelpphone.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsey Balaski
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1414
Email: chelsey.balaski@gov.sk.ca