A group of local organizations is teaming up to provide a much-needed break for parents, caregivers and children in the Chatham-Kent community.
Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports, and Family Service Kent are now offering the Family Respite Program to support children and families affected by mental health challenges.
The program provides opportunities for children 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 well-being.
Women United, an affinity group of the United Way Chatham-Kent, has provided a $15,000 grant to help fund the program.
“This grant only sustains vital supports for families and symbolizes our ongoing dedication to fostering resilience and well-being for all,” said Cathy de Bresser Knowler, a public health educator and Mental Health Table facilitator, in a news release.
According to statistics provided by Women United, parents and caregivers of children with mental health needs provide more than 100 additional hours of care each year. This can create a financial burden for families.
“With rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders on the rise, the importance of respite programs cannot be overstated,” said de Bresser Knowler.
