We all have the power to build stronger systems of care for kids who need it most
JJ is a creative, cheerful, curious ten-year-old from Victoria who loves hands-on projects, video games, and going to school. He has also been diagnosed with autism and ADHD in a young life that has been impacted by intergenerational trauma.
Variety funds his regular counselling sessions, which are an essential resource to help him understand, regulate and communicate his emotions. The sessions also give his family tools to work with and support him.
“His mom goes to some of the parenting sessions so they can learn to relate to each other and so that my daughter can bounce ideas off the counselor,” says Tabitha, JJ’s grandmother, who cares for him part-time. “He’s calmer after his time playing it out in therapy. And that has helped my daughter a lot, just helping her parenting all around.”
JJ looks forward to his therapy sessions and hugely benefits from having dedicated time to express himself, feeling heard and understood. “It’s alleviated a lot of anxiety of just being overwhelmed with this kid whom you don’t know how to help,” says Tabitha.
JJ is far from alone. Between 50% and 70% of mental illnesses show up before the age of 18. Doctors of BC estimates that 95,000 children in BC are experiencing a mental health disorder at any given time, yet only about half of them receive the support they need. Many kids urgently need counselling, but the price of private practices and limited access to public services can be significant barriers.
The primary sources for free mental health services for children and youth in BC are through school counselling or the province’s Child & Youth Mental Health (CYMH) program. But CYMH services are in heavy demand, and there are too few school counsellors available per district, meaning long waitlists and poor access for many kids.
We step into that gap by funding up to $2,500 per year for counselling. These grants help families afford prompt and ongoing support from registered counsellors of their choosing. And that support can be life-changing. Left untreated, childhood mental illnesses and trauma are risk factors for serious physical illnesses and suicide, as well as homelessness and substance abuse in adulthood.
No one should be defined by a mental illness, or any disability or health challenge. Yet the reality is, BC children still experience daily limitations because we don’t yet have sufficient systems or infrastructure to support them.
That is why we’re committed to raising millions of dollars every year to help families of kids with health challenges afford essential healthcare. Every grant allows one more child to focus on discovering who they are and want to be without the limitations that a lack of access can so often create.
You can help be there for more kids who are waiting for counselling services, specialized therapies, medical equipment, or other support. Every donation to Variety BC helps contribute to a better future for kids like JJ.