Handle With Care program gets funding boost

The P.E.I. government has invested $400,000 over three years into a program to support young children’s mental health.

The Handle With Care program has been put in place in more than 25 communities across the Island.

This year, it has benefited at least 215 parents, grandparents and caregivers and 525 children from birth to age six.

The program helps parents build stronger relationships with their children, giving the children a stronger start and preventing mental health problems from developing.

Designed to meet the unique needs of the community, Handle With Care offers advice and support.

Programs often include eight- to 12-week sessions and are co-ordinated by community groups.

Programs are offered in English, francophone and Indigenous communities and are co-ordinated 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 encourages other institutes to do the same.

People participate in the program for many reasons — some to strengthen their overall parenting skills, while others are seeking help to support a child with behavioural challenges or may be struggling with social, economic or emotional issues they don’t want to negatively impact on their children.