A program drafted by Lakeland Catholic School Division will be receiving over $1.2 million in provincial pilot funding through the Mental Health and Schools Pilot.
The Lakeland Catholic’s Mental Health Wellness in Schools: Education and Community Partners Together program looks to enhance mental health support in the Lakeland area to children, youth, and families.
LCSD Superintendent Pamela Guilbault says they know that healthy families grow healthy kids.
“These programs, workshops, and services will provide our families with the skills and tools they need to ensure they’re sending their children to school happy and healthy.”
In addition to Cold Lake, Bonnyville, and Lac La Biche Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hiring an additional social worker for their communities, educational partners will hire three navigators who will connect schools in those areas with local community partners and programs. The navigators will look to serve two main purposes in responding to the needs of the school, staff, students, and families while also providing support as they access the pathways to mental health services.
“These navigators will also serve as communication channel for the many new and enhanced supports and services our families will be accessing,” explained Guilbault. “Ensuring our students and their families have a successful transition through the educational system and understand the numerous supports in their own communities is key to ensuring they feel supported in and can advocate for their mental wellness. That is another vital role our navigators will play.”
Lakeland Catholic will also look to invite the Dragonfly Centre to offer educational workshops and programs on numerous topics in order to address the health and wellness needs of students and families, utilizing a multi-prevention approach.
Additionally, the centre will provide targeted support through early intervention, and will assist school staff in the identification of students with high needs.