Shalom Counselling Centre is building a larger facility to meet the increasing demand for mental health services.
Fund development coordinator Grant Damsgaard said Statistics Canada data showed that the number of Canadians with mental health challenges, or illnesses, increased to one in four in 2021, which climbed to one in three by January 2022 according to an Angus Reid survey.
“We at Shalom can attest to this. The need is like never before. We are receiving one-third more inquiries for counselling services,” Damsgaard said.
He said the existing centre, which is a renovated farmhouse in the Timberlands area, is at capacity.
“Even though there’s great need out there, we’re unable to bring on any more counsellors because we honestly have no place to put them.”
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He added wait lists and wait times for counselling are unfortunately growing.
“When people call for counselling services they need it now. They’ve probably been putting it off, trying to cope, and suddenly they realize they need help and they’re told they have to wait.”
Shalom Counselling Centre has been in the same location since 2007 and the board of directors decided to construct a new 4,672-square-foot facility. A $2-million capital campaign has been launched to fund the project.
The facility will be built on land immediately east of the current centre.
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A sod turning ceremony will be held at 5515-27 Ave. on June 24 at noon.
Shalom Counselling Centre is a faith-based charity that provides counselling services for people of all faiths and secular clients. Fees are subsidized to ensure services are available to all.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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