The provincial government announced $1.7 million in annual funding for Family Services Saskatchewan Friday morning. The money is going to be used to expand rapid access counselling services in the province, with Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle and Oxbow the newest communities to introduce the services. The expansion will see the services being provided to youth and their caregivers. 

Here in the southeast, the services will be provided by Envision Counselling Support Centre. 

"We are so pleased about the expansion of our Rapid Access Counselling program," Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. Executive Director Lynda Rideout said. "The ability to now offer this service to children, youth and their caregivers in our communities is a true blessing and will have a significant impact on the well-being of Saskatchewan as a whole. We are extremely grateful for the support from Family Services Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health." 

"Today's expansion of rapid counselling services to children and youth is an important part of our commitment to address mental health issues in Saskatchewan," Education Minister and Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley. "The ability to quickly connect young people with the health services they need is crucial for improving the well-being of our communities across the province."   

Those who are looking to take advantage of the rapid access counselling services can use the online portal to find services and arrange for appointments, whether in person or virtually.