The Integrated Youth Services Network (IYSN) will be getting more funding for their operating costs, this time from the province.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced the IYSN has been allocated $650,000 from a $31 million investment in expanding child and youth mental health services.
This funding is on top of the County of Wellington council recently approving funding two positions at the IYSN for over $400,000.
“The IYSN of Wellington County and Guelph is profoundly grateful to the provincial government and County of Wellington for recognizing the need to expand mental health support services for youth," said Cyndy Moffat Forsyth, IYSN director, in a press release.
“We have seen a palpable shift in awareness of mental health issues over the past year, and we are so grateful to see that awareness matched to funds so we can continue responding to the increased needs of youth and their families in our community.”
The local IYSN is a new model of youth-centred services with seven locations planned across Wellington County and Guelph. Three Wellington County locations — in Palmerston, Erin and Fergus — are planned to open this year.
Recent statistics from an IYSN funding request showed an increase in demand for local mental health services during the pandemic leading to a growing waiting list for youth accessing these services.
“Through an integrated, connected network with locations across the region, our focus is to meet youth where they are locally — whether that be in rural communities or more densely populated cities,” Moffat Forsyth said.
“Investment in this one-stop-shop approach ensures that our local youth will have targeted, reliable access to the support they need at all stages and times."
The press release said the IYSN hubs will now benefit from a coordinated electronic record system to connect hubs, common outcomes measurement and data sharing, as well as learning and sharing best practices among hubs to ensure success.
