DESI FORUM

MENTAL WELLBEING IN PEEL GETS A BOOST

A $1 million funding to Indus Community Services will help support the mental wellbeing of Peel Region’s South Asian community. Image credit: NEWS CANADA.

Canadian Member of Parliament Peter Fonseca welcomed Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, on behalf of Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, to announce $1 million to Indus Community Services (Indus).

Their project will provide wraparound support to approximately 1,000 newcomers, international students and refugee youth (aged 16-28 years) in Peel Region’s South Asian communities to support their mental and emotional health and address settlement challenges they face in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting the mental health and well-being of people in Canada, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout pandemic recovery, is a priority for the government of Canada. The government is committed to promoting positive mental health for everyone, particularly those who face disproportionate challenges accessing mental health supports because of discrimination, socioeconomic status or social exclusion.

“This project will provide support to people in Mississauga East-Cooksville who’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fonseca. 

The Boost Wellness of Transitional Age Youth project aims to support approximately 1,000 youth and younger adults through education and supportive services with an emphasis on reducing isolation, fostering social connections, and promoting mental health and healing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery.

In addition to mental health support, the project offers service coordination and case management supports, in collaboration with partners, on areas such as health, transitional housing, justice, settlement and child protection to ensure culturally responsive and holistic access to many different services.