Bell Canada grant to help teens take back their world
Agroup therapy program for teenaged girls who have been abused will be launched in Lethbridge. Backed by an $18,000 grant from a national company, Lethbridge Family Services will introduce “Take Back Your World,” a support group for abuse-affected teens who are also living with a mental health issue. The grant was announced Wednesday by a representative for Bell Canada, coinciding with the company’s national “Let’s Talk Day” aimed at raising awareness and funding for mental health initiatives.
At present, officials noted, Lethbridge has no “dedicated” group therapy programs for teens in that situation. The 10-week program will be aimed at girls 13 to 17 years old.
The new group will “encourage young women to give voice to their experiences in an empowering environment enhancing individual growth,” said Bell representative Stephanie Sanderson.
“It will also connect these women with peers who are working towards healing, providing a sense of togetherness.”
The grant, Sanderson said, will also allow the family services organization “to safely explore issues concerning trauma,” including childhood, physical or emotional abuse.
Since 2011, she said, the annual “Let’s Talk” campaign has raised more than $1 million for community groups working to improve mental health care. Lethbridge is one of 70 communities across Canada to benefit from that fundraising this year.
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