An annual grant of $120,000 will help provide free community counselling to people struggling with drug addiction on the North Shore.
The grant, announced by the province last week, will help the Turning Point Recovery Society expand an existing community counselling program in Richmond to both the North Shore and to Vancouver.
Brenda Plant, executive director of Turning Point, said the money will go towards outreach work to connect with the most vulnerable populations who may be at risk of overdose in the community.
The $120,000 going to Turning Point is part of $10 million in grants announced for 29 community counselling programs throughout the province.
According to the province, proposals that received funding were those which focused on “reaching individuals or families who are not likely to engage in mainstream services or who would not typically have access to counselling opportunities.”
The funding will provide $120,000 per year for three years.
Plant said Turning Point will be speaking with community partner groups about expanding the counselling program on the North Shore.
Turning Point currently operates two residential facilities on the North Shore – one for men and one for women – offering addiction recovery services for drug and alcohol use.
