Increasing awareness of mental health services is a topic that's top of mind for many people.
The Sooke Region Community Health Network (SRCHN) is hosting the Sooke Region Mental Health Fair to help people navigate their way to support services in the community.
"Two years ago, we received funding from the District of Sooke and the Victoria Foundation to do a report on mental health and substance use in the community," said Rebecca George, co-chair of SRCHN mental health committee. "The fair is a follow-up to the Mental Health, Substance Use, and Addictions Report released by Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN) last spring, and we are pleased to partner with Sea to Tree Foundation and the Edward Milne Community School Society (EMCS) to put on this event for the first time."
Although mental health services receives funding from a variety of sources, there are always gaps, especially in a rapidly-growing community such as Sooke, she noted.
"The fair aims to raise awareness and let people know what services are available."
The Sooke Region Mental Health Fair takes place Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Edward Milne Community School at 6128 Sooke Rd.
"We invite all residents of the Sooke Region, from East Sooke to Port Renfrew, who are interested in mental health and substance use services to join us," George said. "In the spirit of gratitude for a wonderful summer and ushering in the start of a new season, we will have food, door prizes, and music."
The fair will be opened by guest speakers giving updates on three new services coming to the region, The Community Health Centre, the T’Sou-ke Nation Health Centre, and the Sooke Westshore Foundry, which will provide overall health care for youth aged 12 to 24.
Mental health and substance use service providers will set up booths in the common area to answer questions and provide information as well.
Several free workshops are being offered, including Substance Use & Overdose Prevention, Introduction to Peer Support, Seniors and Mental Health, Supporting Your Anxious Child, Suicide Prevention – What Do We Need to Know, and Understanding Self-Harm.
"Please join us for a fun and informative afternoon," George added
Visit https://www.sookeregionchn.org/events for the complete agenda and more information.
