You belong here.
Your needs are important. You have your own ways of contributing to our community and have unique gifts to offer! We want to support you in realizing these gifts. We believe that everyone is deserving of timely and accessible mental wellness services, regardless of their background or income. We are here to support you as a member of the community in finding a service that works for you.
What is the MWI?
The Mental Wellness Initiative (MWI) is a community oriented initiative aiming to co-create a community of caring and belonging and provide access to services for those of us who have less means or are struggling to find support. #ReachOutSaltSpring is an Initiative of the MWI aimed at providing access to free or low-cost holistic mental wellness services.
The Mental Wellness Initiative is a partnership of the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network and the Salt Spring Community Health Society
What does #ReachOutSaltSpring offer?
Access to free sessions with physical and mental health practitioners: In-person and/or virtual sessions including therapists, counsellors, coaches, body workers, yoga instructors, massage therapists and more
Links to other mental health resources that can help
Why free or low-cost mental wellness services? Why access to other resources?
One quarter of the twenty-two million Canadians that would benefit from mental health supports cannot afford them (Thompson & Simpson, 2021)
Low income individuals are one point five to three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of low-cost, accessible mental wellness services (Ridley et al, 2020)
Why #ReachOutSaltSpring?
Breaking down barriers and leaving no one behind/out in the cold. This is especially important for rural and remote communities like ours
Providing dignity for all. #ReachOutSaltSpring wants to help provide direction for all to find help navigating trauma
Providing support for individuals who would not be able to access services has a ripple effect and creates a positive impact throughout our community
Providing service to vulnerable community members improves practitioners’ understanding of what community members are going through, leading to stronger support, advocacy, and strengthened practice; as well as strengthening their own relationships in the community
By becoming involved or contributing money you strengthen the efforts of the Mental Wellness Initiative:
to better support the community cooperating together
to better qualify for grants, recognitions, and money
to create a rural and remote model for mental health support for vulnerable community members
DID YOU KNOW?
#ReachOutSaltSpring is designed to serve people on Salt Spring but practitioners do not have to be local to serve this population - if you or someone you know offers services online or by phone, please let us know! #ReachOutSaltSpring does not take any money from this process, nor is there any cost to you as a counsellor/therapist.
#ReachOutSaltSpring is a small group of volunteers who are endeavouring to keep this service hub available through fundraising and grant writing. We are always seeking support through participation, donation, referrals, ideas and connecting in. The goal of #ReachOutSaltSpring is to have many practitioners involved - many hands make light work - so please spread the word! Information about how best to donate is available here.
Get Involved
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Become a Client
Fill out the form to become a client of #ReachOutSaltSpring
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Join as a Practitioner
Contact us to join us as a #ReachOutSaltSpring practitioner
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Volunteer or Donate
Contact us get involved as a volunteer or donor
Proudly supported by our community.
LAND AKNOWLEDGEMENT
MWI is based within the traditional, ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples.
#ReachOutSaltSpring members are living, working, and playing on the traditional, ancestral lands of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking Coast Salish peoples in more recent times referred to as Salt Spring Island. We recognize the privilege we hold in offering our services on unceded and stolen land, and are committed to acting as indigenous allies and advocates.