Six mental health and addictions community groups throughout the province will benefit from $225,000 in annualized core funding announced by the Provincial Government today. This funding will support community groups that are helping people on a daily basis to improve their lives and help overcome their mental health and addictions issues.

"Our government is committed to making strategic investments to foster development of programs and services to help those living with mental health and addictions issues," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. "Community organizations have an important role to play in supporting individuals and families dealing with mental health and addictions issues. Our government is pleased to have a very positive relationship with these organizations and is committed to working together to ensure mental health and addictions programs are available to those who need them."

Community groups receiving funding are the Consumers' Health Awareness Network Newfoundland and Labrador (CHANNAL), Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, Schizophrenia Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Turnings, Recovering Addicts Fellowship Team (RAFT), and Peter's Foundation. This new funding complements $432,000 in one-time funding recently announced to support various projects being undertaken by mental health and community groups across the province.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our Future includes an investment of $7.2 million to strengthen mental health and addictions services in the province, including $2.4 million for continued planning and construction of a new residential treatment centre in St. John's for children and youth with complex mental health needs; $2 million to further a new residential treatment centre in Grand Falls-Windsor for children and youth with addictions; $2 million for the planning and development of an adult residential addictions treatment centre in Harbour Grace; $482,900 to enhance child psychiatry services at the Janeway Hospital; and, $300,000 to support new community-based projects, with a focus on mental health and addictions issues.

In addition to this year's budget, the Provincial Government has invested $17.9 million over the past five years in mental health and addictions, which included the creation of an adolescent day treatment program; three assertive community treatment teams; new mental health legislation; the opening of Humberwood Provincial Treatment Centre in Corner Brook, which offers complete rehabilitative services to adult residents of the province requiring in-patient treatment; and funding for several community groups.

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Consumers' Health Awareness Network Newfoundland and Labrador (CHANNAL) will receive $50,000 to sustain its provincial operations and to ensure a solid base of peer support for individuals living with mental illness in Newfoundland and Labrador. CHANNAL's aim is to combat isolation for those living with mental illness; to provide a forum for mental health consumers' concerns; to educate the public on issues relevant to mental health consumers; and to offer advocacy, social and emotional support to those living with mental health issues.

Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
Eating Disorders Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDFNL) will receive $50,000 to sustain its provincial operations and support individuals and families affected by eating disorders. EDFNL is a leadership advocacy group dedicated to promoting research and providing public support services and information about matters related to eating disorders.

Turnings
Turnings will receive $50,000 to help continue its support of individuals released from prison with addictions issues. Turnings, previously known as Metro Community Chaplaincy, was founded in 1992. It is a community of persons from different walks of life whose mission is to assist offenders, ex-offenders and their families who wish to re-orient their lives with a view to living responsibly.

Peter's Foundation
Peter's Foundation will receive $25,000 to help stabilize the operation of Jesse's Place, which provides safe affordable housing for women in recovery from addictions.

Recovering Addicts Fellowship Team
The Recovering Addicts Fellowship Team (RAFT) will receive $25,000 to help continue its work in supporting individuals in recovery. RAFT is a non-profit organization that assists in the rehabilitation of individuals impacted by substance abuse. For many with addictions, one of the most difficult aspects of recovery is learning to socialize and enjoy life in a healthy environment. RAFT aims to provide the recovering addict with healthy, alternative, social activities.