Next week, on Wednesday, September 4th, a brand new facility will be opening its doors in the West Shore to help those struggling with substance use and mental health issues.
The Westshore Mental Health and Substance Use Hub will be located at 681 Allandale Road in Colwood.
As for services, the hub will offer community-based care, same-day walk-in or call-in counselling and assessments, care planning, integrated services and referrals to higher levels of care when needed.
Island Health says the site was purpose built and includes a meeting space, clinical consultation and exam spaces as well as a dedicated gathering space for those requiring its services.
“The toxic drugs crisis is taking too many lives and hurting families and communities across our country, and the Westshore is no exception,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister for Mental Health and Addictions.
“As our communities grow, the need for care that people can count on close to home also grows. This hub will make it easier for people to get the care they need without travelling all the way into Victoria.”
The intention of the hub is to take pressure off the Victoria area, which currently serves the majority of those with substance use and mental health struggles.
People who attend the hub will have access to psychiatry, addictions medicine, nursing, counselling, occupational therapy and peer support.
“With the opening of this hub, we’re taking a significant step in addressing the growing need for mental health and substance use services in our communities,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health Board Chair.
“By providing local, integrated care for a range of needs, we’re creating a more responsive and effective system that can truly support individuals throughout their recovery journey.”
Island Health says that those needing ongoing support will be connected to a care coordinator who will help connect the dots for them in their healing journey.
They added that they developed the hub’s services while in consultation with local Indigenous communities to ensure they are culturally informed and relevant.
