More help available for mental health and problem gambling
Supporting Island families
New mental health and gambling resources will be available at public libraries across the province to offer self-help support and guidance to Islanders and their families.
Both the Mental Health and Gambling Support Kits are a collection of resources to help educate individuals, provide guidance and support for those seeking self-care.
“Our government is making every effort to improve access to mental health services across our entire province,” said Health and Wellness Minister Robert Mitchell. “These new take-home kits are a very positive step in helping ensure people have access to good quality materials and information about various topics related to mental health and problem gambling.”
Financed by the department of Health and Wellness, over the next month, ten of each of these resource kits will be available through the provincial library system. Kits can be checked out from local libraries and can be requested through the inter-library loan program.
“We are so excited to see more information about mental health and mental illness available for free for individuals across the Island,” said CMHA PEI, community development manager, Tayte Willows. “We know that sharing information helps to reduce stigma and increase understanding, which in turn builds healthier and stronger communities.”
“The prevalence of problem gambling in PEI is two per cent of the adult population; however, we know that gambling doesn’t just affect the gambler - it can affect their entire family,” said Lalana Paul, community relations specialist, Department of Health and Wellness. “These new support kits will provide resources to help a person overcome a gambling addiction, as well as information for their families and loved ones.”
Islander’s struggling with gambling are encouraged to talk to a health care professional, or call the PEI Gambling Support Line at 1-855-255-4255 (toll-free) to speak with a trained professional who can provide a variety of supportive services such as information about in-person counselling through Addiction Services, Gamblers Anonymous meetings, SMART Recovery meetings, and other resources.
Media contact:
Autumn Tremere
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
agtremere@gov.pe.ca