MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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 funding will facilitate the provision of mental health support to newcomers, international students, and refugee youth and younger adults in Peel Region’s South Asian communities.

“I am happy to see the government of Canada provide funding to Indus so that they can promote mental health and healing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery,” said Fonseca.

The project Boost Wellness of Transitional Age Youth 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 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.