Municipal workers can now access mental
health support under the 'Connection to Care' program
VICTORIA, BC, May 1, 2024
/CNW/ - The British Columbia Municipal Safety Association
(BCMSA) has partnered with the BC Association of Clinical
Counsellors (BCACC) to launch a phone service for municipal workers
to access counselling services from mental health professionals
with the joint 'Connection to Care' program.
a phone service for municipal workers to
access counselling services from mental health professionals
Under the program, Municipal Workers (Category 753004) can seek
support via phone between 7 AM to 10
PM from Monday to Friday. The call team comprising
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and master's level students
in their final year, supervised by an Approved Clinical Supervisor
(RCC - ACS) will provide the necessary therapeutic support,
connection to resources, and referrals if required. Confidentiality
is crucial and callers will not be asked their names, phone
numbers, or any identifiable information.
BCACC CEO, Michael Radano says
"The Connection to Care program lowers barriers to access due to
costs, wait times and the potential stigma associated with seeking
mental health services. No appointments are required, and callers
get access to the mental health call team immediately without
having to divulge any personal information. The BCACC looks
forward to working with other organizations including the Ministry
of Health and Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions to
continually make access to mental health services easier for the
public."
Workplace stress is on the rise and creating a safe, healthy
work environment has become a non-negotiable priority. With 1 in 5
Canadians experiencing mental health issues in a year1
and 35% of employed Canadians indicating burn out2,
companies across the board have begun to prioritise mental health
in the workplace. Additionally, the economic cost of mental illness
to the Canadian healthcare and social support system was
projected3 at $79.9
billion for 2021.
BCMSA's CEO, Mike Roberts says,
"By focusing on proactive mental health care, we can help
prevent issues before they become more serious, fostering a
healthier and more productive life and work environment. This
partnership can undoubtedly make a positive difference in people's
lives."
The Connection to Care team can be reached at 778 247 2273
(CARE) and is currently open to anyone working within WorkSafe BC
Classification Unit 753004, Local Government, and Related
Operations. More information – connectiontocare.ca
BCMSA: The British Columbia Municipal Safety
Association (BCMSA) is an independent, non-profit organization
committed to improving worker health and safety in all industries
throughout the province. BCMSA works to improve health and safety
programs and implement effective occupational health and safety
management across the province of BC. Our training, programs and
resources equip employers and employees with invaluable prevention
resources that serve to reduce human and financial costs.
BCACC: BCACC is a non-profit provincial
professional association founded in 1988 with 8000 members. BCACC
advocates for the clinical counselling/psychotherapy profession and
for public access to mental health services. Its members
(Registered Clinical Counsellors – RCCs) are held to the highest
standards of practice and a strict code of ethics in service and
protection of the public: https://bcacc.ca
References:
-
https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#:~:text=In%20any%20given%20year%2C%201%20in%205%20people,will%20have%20or%20have%20had%20a%20mental%20illness
-
https://www.mhrc.ca/psychological-health-and-safety-in-canadian-workplaces#:~:text=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B40%25%20of%20employees,would%20affect%20their%20career%20prospects
-
https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/drupal/2016-06/Investing_in_Mental_Health_FINAL_Version_ENG.pdf
SOURCE BC Association of Clinical Counsellors