Giving Back Gala to support access to local mental health care
By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
For residents struggling with their mental health, waiting weeks for counselling can leave a difficult gap between asking for help and receiving it.
The Giving Back Gala: Winter Wonderland, taking place Nov. 21 at the Strathmore Civic Centre, aims to help close that gap by raising money for mental health services and education in Strathmore and Wheatland County.
Emily Pye, chief administrative officer of Wheatland Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), said more residents are seeking assistance as financial pressures affect their ability to meet basic needs and access support.
“A lot of people are needing support to survive,” said Pye. “Quite a lot of folks are accessing services more than they ever have before, whether it is for basic needs, food, clothing, definitely transportation.”
Alongside those needs, Pye said the organization is seeing increased demand for financial assistance and mental health services. Through the Elks Mental Health Project, organizers are working to make counselling more accessible for residents with low to moderate incomes.
The project has set aside $10,000 for subsidized counselling, with plans to continue that commitment in the coming year. Pye said the program aims to connect applicants with counselling within a week, sometimes sooner.
The support generally covers three to five sessions per person, helping residents while they arrange longer-term care.
“So, we provide the short term so that they can get into the long term, so they don’t feel left unsupported,” she said.
For someone already struggling, Pye said, a lengthy wait can increase the pressure on both individuals and families. Providing help sooner is one part of the project; helping people recognize when support is needed is another.
Some funding also supports educational workshops and local mental health initiatives. Planned partnerships include speaking opportunities with the Happy Gang and presentations involving counsellors and Strathmore FCSS representatives, covering subjects such as mental health, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Pye said the goal is to help residents recognize signs that a friend or family member may be struggling and understand where to turn.
“So, whether it is educating about our program or other programs that are available or just knowing signs and symptoms and mental health, that’s our goal,” said Pye.
The gala will bring that educational focus into an evening of dinner, music and fundraising.
Beginning at 4:30 p.m. the event will open with a cocktail hour featuring live music by Melissa Metheson (and friends), a slideshow, followed by welcoming remarks and a catered roast beef dinner. Guests can also expect a presentation from a Strathmore FCSS representative, a silent auction and live music.
An interactive mental health panel will feature three psychologists who have worked with the organizing committee over the past year. Audience members will be able to participate and vote on questions they feel are particularly relevant to the community.
All funds raised through the gala will support local mental health services and education.
Organizers are also seeking silent auction donations from businesses, organizations and community members. Contributions may include items, gift cards, experiences or services. Those interested in donating can contact Pye through Wheatland FCSS, which also has a donation page on its website; alternatively, she can be reached directly via email (cao@wfcss.org).
Beyond the gala, Pye hopes to expand the project’s reach into rural communities, where accessing services can mean travelling to Calgary or facing a lengthy wait.
Future plans include educational seminars and informal coffee gatherings to help residents learn about available support closer to home.
“And what we really want to do is to show them that we know they’re there, and we’re doing what we can to support them,” said Pye.