The B.C. government is investing $8.87 million over three years on enhanced wellness supports and programs.

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy says it will help provide students, parents and educators with the tools needed to support mental well-being across the province.

“When I was in school, mental health was not something that you talked about. Mental illness was a sign of shame,” she said. “So when my mother was hospitalized with a severe mental illness, we didn’t talk to anybody. Fortunately, things have changed since then, but we still have a long way to go.”

Darcy says most of the funding will provide grants to all 60 school districts, as well as independent schools, with the focus on initiatives related to mental health literacy, programs, and supports.

“They can also be used for student workshops, for professional development, for parent information nights or new resource materials for educators and for families,” Darcy added. “And funding will also be used to help teachers in school districts develop a co-ordiated approach to mental health in schools throughout the province so that you can expect the same supports no matter where you live.”

She also noted that the funding will also support the third annual school mental health conference next year, adding young people in B.C. have spearheaded the conversation for better mental health supports.

“The announcement really is an investment in you. It’s an investment in a future where we value mental health in the same way that we value physical health,” Darcy said. “And that will have benefits for you and that will have benefits for generations to come.”