PE Government: Handle with Care giving young children a good start

Strengthening mental health services –

Across the province, hundreds of Island children – and their parents and caregivers – are getting help to build a strong future together.

More than 25 Handle With Care programs have been held in Island communities to support the mental health of young children from birth to 6 years. This year alone, it has benefitted at least 215 parents, grandparents, and caregivers and 525 Island children

“Handle With Care helps parents build stronger relationships with their children, which gives children a stronger start and prevents mental health problems from developing,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown. “We are pleased to invest an additional $400,000 over three years in Handle With Care, which brings communities together to support children’s mental health and well-being.”

Designed to meet the unique needs of the community, the program offers advice and support to parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children. Programs often include 8 to 12 week sessions and are coordinated by community groups.

Programs are offered in English, Francophone and Indigenous communities, and coordinated by the Early Childhood Development Association with the assistance of 120 trained facilitators.

The program continues to gain in popularity with community groups who want to help young families in their communities. For example the Women’s Institute is offering the program, and encouraging other Institutes to do the same.

People participate in the program for many reasons. Some attend programs to strengthen their overall parenting skills. Other participants may be parents or grandparents who are seeking help to support a child with behavioural challenges. Or they may be struggling with social, economic or emotional issues which they don’t want to negatively impact on their children.

The provincial government will invest $400,000 over three years to enhance and expand this priority program through the PEI Action Plan for Children.

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education, Early Learning and Culture
902 314 5702
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)

NT5