Group lobbies for mental health advocate

A local group says independent advocates are needed to give a voice to city residents with mental health and addiction issues.

The Prince George Mental Health Consumer Council says existing assistance for such people amounts to a “loose patchwork” of part-time navigators and peer support workers who can provide guidance to clients but not much more.

Complicating matters, nearly all local mental health organizations, including the council, received at least some of their funding from Northern Health, putting them in direct conflict in many advocacy situations.

“We need someone to be a champion... to be able to speak for people that are unable to speak for themselves,” facilitator Sandy Ramsay said. “It’s handy if you have a family member that can advocate for you but if you don’t, who speaks for you?”

An advocate would cost money. In a 2015 presentation to the B.C. select standing committee on finance and government services, the mental health council estimated $200,000 a year would cover the cost of salary, an office with a part-time office assistant, travel and training.

The group would like two advocates based in Prince George and argues they would be good value for the money.

“We firmly believe that money will be returned through savings in other areas,” representatives said in the presentation. “In addition to the mental and emotional benefits, mental health consumers who are able to have their voices heard and their needs met are much more likely to achieve longterm wellness. This, in turn, can lead to decreased costs in health care, policing, family services and other areas.”

With the change in government, the group is hoping to convince mental health and addictions minister Judy Darcy to give the proposal a try.

“The position of an independent advocate is an up-front investment in individuals with mental health issues,” committee members said in an Oct. 4 letter to Darcy. “Small, meaningful interactions can help people maintain their dignity by allowing them to be heard and can help to avoid preventable and costly situations, such as loss of jobs, housing, or relationships, as well as hospitalizations.”

The ministry declined to comment Tuesday, saying a letter of response will be sent next week.