One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness throughout their lifetime. Thrive Walk-In Counselling is breaking barriers to accessible mental health services with no fee required.

 

REGINA, January 9, 2018 – Thrive Walk-In Counselling has officially launched at two Regina Public Library locations, allowing Family Service Regina to expand their mental health services. Thrive Walk-In Counselling is a free service that was launched in September 2017, the program offers accessible counselling services for all individuals looking for help with a wide-range of issues, including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict and urgent needs.

“What makes our program unique is that people don’t have to wait for a first appointment. It can be a big step reaching out to a counsellor and we are able to meet people immediately and help them in their time of need. Additionally, this program has significantly reduced wait time for services, so we are able to help people beyond their first session quicker than ever.” said Kirk Englot, Director of Operations and Business Development for Family Service Regina.

Through our new partnership with the Regina Public Library, the walk-in services have seen strong community engagement. “Uptake on the walk-in counselling offered by Thrive has been outstanding and demonstrative of the need for this type of service in the community.” Jeff Barber, Library Director and CEO, said, “Regina Public Library is pleased to offer welcoming, familiar spaces in which participants can feel comfortable participating in this program.”

The free walk-in services are made possible by a $120,000 investment in local mental health services from Green Shield Canada. The funding is dedicated to improving access to mental health services in the community for individuals who might not have the means otherwise, it’s enabled Family Service Regina to hire additional staff and build commonality across the city with like-minded service providers. “Thrive Walk-in Counselling, through Family Service Regina, ensures safe and accessible services for our community to turn for help,” said Shellie Pociuk, CEO of Family Service Regina. “Access to affordable mental health counselling is an issue that significantly impacts all Canadians.”

About Thrive Walk-In Counselling Thrive Walk-In Counselling is a program of Family Service Regina. Thrive is a community-based, city-wide, free, four-day-a-week walk-in counselling service for adults, children, teens and their families. The service is available at multiple locations across the City of Regina and aims to increase access to solution-focused counselling.

Dates, Times and Locations
Mondays and Thursdays from 1-5pm at Family Service Regina
Wednesdays 1-6pm at Regina Public Library, Central Branch Meeting Room 2
Friday’s 1-6pm Regina Public Library, Albert Branch, mâmawêyatitân Centre