Ruth Howes made the big announcement on Wednesday about walk-in counselling being available throughout the NEOSS region. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Walk-in Counselling

NEOSS announces walk-in counselling available throughout region

Sep 11, 2019 | 5:00 PM

North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS) held ‘Tea Time’ in Nipawin on Wednesday, Sept. 11 to announce a new program.

It was announced at their satellite office that walk-in counselling is now being offered throughout the NEOSS region. The program is being funded through Family Services Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Health to provide one counsellor. Director of Operations Ruth Howes says the walk-in counselling is a one-time solution based counseling.

“So it’s there for people who are in immediate crisis, but not severe immediate crisis,” Howes told northeastNOW. “So they just need somebody to talk to, they can come in.”

The walk-in counselling has been offered since July, and is available during office hours on Wednesday’s and Friday’s in Nipawin, Monday’s in Melfort, and Thursdays in Tisdale. Tuesday’s are a rotation for other outlying communities. Howes said the counselling is for anybody who may need it.

“This walk-in counsellor can see anybody for anything,” she said. “So even youth can come in, couples can come in, families, or individuals.”

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Youth would have to get parental consent if they were to access counselling.

Outreach Manager Ashley Schwanke said it’s been a slow start, but they expect it to pick up a bit as the school year is now open due to the volume of people coming to the area. Schwanke said the program is somewhat of an in-between for those in crisis.

“It’s solutions focused, strength based, single session,” she said. “So it’s not a long term counselling, the counsellor doesn’t carry a case load. It’s just like that immediate help people through what they have going on that day.”

Members from the Town of Nipawin were also in attendance, and Mayor Rennie Harper spoke to the gathering. With it being about a year an a half since the satellite office opened, Harper gave praise to NEOSS for their work in the area. She said the walk-in counselling is a great service in the area that was needed.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6