United Way Winnipeg donors working with the Manitoba Government to invest $4,900,000 in post-pandemic mental health and addiction recovery supports

To help address the growing mental health, addiction crisis, and recovery needs of people across the province, the Manitoba government has partnered with United Way Winnipeg.

With a $2M contribution from the Province and $2.9M from United Way Winnipeg donors, a total of $4.9M in funding has been provided to support 45 community-based initiatives, Sarah Guillemard, Minister responsible for Mental Health and Community Wellness, announced.

“We are committed to rapidly and effectively improving access and coordination of mental health and addictions services in Manitoba, and this can only happen with a coordinated and holistic approach.

Together with many community agencies, we’re already doing so much valuable work to make a lasting difference in peoples’ lives, and this investment will mean we can do even more together to address the critical need for accessible, culturally sensitive, and timely mental health and addiction services for Manitobans who need them.”

The Manitoba government has engaged with about 3000 Manitobans to receive a broad range of perspectives on the most-needed post-pandemic mental health and addiction recovery services, programs, and supports to serve Manitobans in their lives at home, at work, and in their communities.

This funding partnership has enabled community-based organizations to receive up to $225,000 over a three-year period to address significant needs such as counselling wait times and culturally relevant mental health and addiction service provision.

“There are so many in our community who struggle with their mental health, and we know the pandemic has triggered new challenges for others. With a heartfelt “thank you” to United Way Winnipeg donors, and this special partnership with the Province, even more people will have access to much-needed services to support their mental health and well-being. By working together, united as a community, we are able to go further towards our shared goal of leaving no one behind,” said Connie Walker, President and CEO of United Way Winnipeg.

The new funding is expected to increase capacity and offer better support to all Manitobans, but especially to marginalized people who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.