‘We bring together as many community resources as we can so they are all together and they can talk\u00a0about the support they offer,’ says official of Community Mental Health Fair<\/p>\n
It is well known social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased rates of mental illness in youth and adults.<\/p>\n
What’s not as well known is, post-pandemic, rates of mental illness and crises in general continue to escalate, according to local social agencies.<\/p>\n
“Life is difficult for a lot of people right now,” said Kim Kneeshaw,\u00a0executive director of North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS).<\/p>\n
“Our numbers are skyrocketing. We are very, very busy. We have a lot\u00a0more people experiencing complex issues and who have much higher needs than what we’ve dealt with in the past.<\/p>\n
“Our call volume has more than tripled since the pandemic and it continues to increase every month. We are triaging in the office, which isn’t a good position. We aren’t turning anyone away, but administration is taking a back seat to client needs,\u00a0and the greatest need is dealt with first.”<\/p>\n
Intimate partner violence has always been the No. 1 reason for emergency calls to NSVS, but Kneeshaw said while it used to represent 24 per cent of the calls, it\u00a0now represents about 40\u00a0per cent of the calls every month.<\/p>\n
“We are just seeing more and more of them,” she said.<\/p>\n
NSVS has the Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) for victims of assault, sexual assault, attempted murder, and other violent crimes.<\/p>\n
“There is a huge administrative burden on the program because we have some many VQRP-eligible crimes that have been happening. We are seeing a huge increase in those as well,” Kneeshaw said.<\/p>\n
People fitting the eligibility of the program can get safety supports such deadlocks on their doors, a personal alarm, or a phone for those who don’t have one for communication\u00a0and more.<\/p>\n
Coming to the rescue is the third annual Community Mental Health Fair on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Orillia Public Library from 12:30\u00a0to 4:30 p.m. in the two programming rooms. A wide range of community organizations will have booths set up, highlighting their community resources. Sandwiches and refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n
“We bring together as many community resources as we can so they are all together and they can talk\u00a0about the support they offer,” said Kneeshaw.<\/p>\n
Past years have attracted the Couchiching Family Health Team, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services, Green Haven Shelter for Women, Orillia OPP, Orillia Fire Department, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and several more organizations.<\/p>\n
“It’s like a one-stop shop there to see what’s out there for mental health and resources for our\u00a0lives,” said Kneeshaw.<\/p>\n
People attending the fair can find free counselling and support groups and other mental health services and information about what’s available.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully, they will find what they need to support them in their life journey,” Kneeshaw said.<\/p>\n
It’s important to hold the fair because people need to know about the resources available and develop a sense of connection in their community, she said.<\/p>\n
“With COVID, we lost a lot of our social skills and a lot of our connections. I feel that we are not as connected as a community and as individuals (as) we should be. Everybody needs to feel valued and supported and … know how to access supports.”<\/p>\n
NSVS is primarily funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, but as a non-profit organization, it is also expected to raise its own funds.<\/p>\n
An upcoming fundraiser is the Christmas Sip and Shop on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 99 Peter St. N.<\/p>\n