Families and children impacted by mental health issues have a team of support this year in the Family Respite Program.
The program, offered by Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports, and Family Service Kent, and is funded by Women United, an affiliated group of the United Way, Chatham-Kent.
The program offers support to children and families affected by mental health challenges. It provides opportunities for children and youth to participate in camps, therapeutic recreation, and other extracurricular activities, which allows parents and caregivers to take a break, recharge, and look after their own mental health and wellbeing.
Recent reviews estimate that parents and caregivers of children and youth with mental health needs face significant challenges. In addition to the more than 100 hours of additional care they provide each year, parents miss more work time than other caregivers. This can create a financial burden for families.
Respite opportunities offer parents and caregivers breathing room where they can address their own needs and devote time to siblings. It also allows the affected youth a chance just to be kids – socializing, having fun, and taking part in activities.
“We know there is a critical need for respite opportunities in Chatham-Kent,” says Carol Moore, director of service for mental health with Linck, said in a media release. “This funding will allow us to sustain our support to families. We provide opportunities and support to approximately 60 children and their families each year.”
Moore added Women United provided $15,000 to fund the program, and said the need is growing.
The need for respite support was identified by the Mental Health Social Planning & Action (SPA) Table, a network of non-profit and health-care professionals.
“I’m heartened to see the tangible impact of our collective efforts in addressing the pressing mental health needs of our community,” said Cathy de Bresser Knowler, public health educator and Mental Health Table facilitator. “The partnership between our table and Women United demonstrates our shared commitment to prioritize child and family mental health, especially in the face of heightened challenges post-pandemic. With rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders on the rise, the importance of respite programs cannot be overstated.”
Women United is made up of women in Chatham-Kent dedicated to addressing the urgent needs facing women and their families in the region.
