Victoria: The Province is providing $375,000 over three years to support child and youth counselling services at the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees, said B.C. government.
The province said the centre provides low-cost counselling services to immigrants and refugees of all ages on Vancouver Island.
With this funding, the B.C. government said, refugees and immigrants, including children and youth, will have access to more free and affordable mental-health supports, such as counselling services.
“The centre’s counselling sessions are offered in a client’s first language, when possible. The cost for services is based on the client’s income or can be free if they are unable to afford it,” the province said in a press release.
“There is an urgent need to support people, including children and young immigrants and refugees struggling with mental-health challenges across the province,” said Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care, and MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill.
“Funding for the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees will ensure children and young people get the support they need to not only survive, but thrive in B.C.,” he added.