RBC Foundation Provides Local Youth Greater Access to Mental Health Services

Youth between the ages of 15-25 in the NorthOkanagan now have more opportunities to access mental health rehabilitation andrecovery services thanks to a generous grant from RBC Foundation.

“The RBC Youth Mental Well-being Project is ourcommitment to remove barriers and provide young people the right care at theright time,” states RayWarren from RBC. “RBC Foundation is excited to partner with Vernon JubileeHospital Foundation in providing $50,000 over two years for localprograms.  We’re focused on reintegratingyouth back into their communities, helping them learn new skills and increasingtheir mental wellbeing. We want to ensure they are better prepared for theirfuture. When young peoplesucceed, we all win.”

The CanadianMental Health Association estimates that 10-20% of children and teens in Canada have mentalhealth issues. Up to 70% of mental health problems start in the childhood andteen years. If left unchecked, problems can continue, affecting school and lifesuccess.

“Youth who access our mental health programsstruggle with the most complex mental health issues. Research shows that individuals receivingtreatment within six months following onset of psychosis or concurrentdisorders have better recovery.  A critical component oftheir recovery is how they re-integrate into their lives, “says Dobra Vistica, Interior Health Early Psychosis InterventionProgram Clinician.

“Earlyintervention and psychotropic medication is not enough. A focus on reintegration activities,life skills development, group therapy, and offering peer engagementopportunities are keys tosuccess. This funding from RBC allows our team to further increase our timewith clients and develop these essential programs. It’s a tremendousopportunity for youth in our region.”

The impact is already evident: “Withoutemergency support from the RBC grant I would have given up on myself and on myrecovery goals.  You showed you caredabout me and that taught me to invest in and care about myself,” stated a youngperson with lived experience, currently at an Inpatient Substance Use Recoveryprogram.

Youth can access these services in a number ofways, including referrals through their doctors, educators, family supportprograms and local mental health organizations. Once referred, clients getconnected with the services they need in less than a week’s time.