Canadian government disburses $1M to support mental health for youth in Peel’s South Asian communities

The Government of Canada has announced that $1 million fund has been disbursed to Indus Community Services to support the mental health of youth in Peel’s South Asian communities.

During the announcement, Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, said: “Recent years have been difficult for the mental well-being of younger people across Canada, particularly newcomers who may face barriers in accessing mental health services that are culturally sensitive. We are fully committed to prioritizing and supporting mental health initiatives for all Canadians, especially those in need.”

The announcement was made by Khera on behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett recently.

According to a media release, Bennett said: “Today’s funding will help build resilience in mental health for members of Peel’s South Asian communities. This includes people who’ve been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as newcomers, international students, refugee youth and younger adults.”

Indus Community Services is a non-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for over 35 years.

Member of Parliament, Mississauga East-Cooksville, Peter Fonseca, said: “I am happy to see the Government of Canada provide funding to Indus so that they can promote mental health and healing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, This project will provide support to people in Mississauga East-Cooksville who’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The project “Boost Wellness of Transitional Age Youth” seeks to support approximately 1,000 youth and younger adults through education and supportive services with an emphasis on minimizing isolation, fostering social connections and promoting mental health and healing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery.

While talking about the project, Gurpreet Malhotra, the CEO of Indus Community Services, said: “The Boost Wellness project will enable Indus to promote mental health awareness and to provide much-needed culturally appropriate mental health support to racialized youth who lack access to services in underserviced Peel.

“In addition, international students and refugee youth often feel forgotten by those who bring them and face enormous personal pressures. The federally funded Boost Wellness project will enable many local transitional-aged young people and their families to regain a sense of balance and move forward to the success they deserve.”