Health
Connecting vulnerable patients in the Okanagan region through technology
Aug 19, 2020
The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society has provided critical mental health support for Okanagan region residents for over 50 years. Through services such as primary prevention programs for expecting parents and young families, family counselling services and addiction and recovery programs, the society provides families and individuals with resources to support their mental health. As COVID-19 spread, it also introduced virtual solutions to ensure that program participants can remain connected.
“The funding provided by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has had a direct impact on our participants, allowing them to remain connected throughout this pandemic”
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation funding helped support the Bridge Youth & Family Services Society’s shift to a more virtual environment in response to the pandemic, allowing it to upgrade its technology systems and equipment to keep program participants and staff safe while continuing to support the community. For instance, maintaining vital detox programs helped reduce the number of participants visiting hospitals to withdraw from alcohol and other drugs. With access to a more connected space, participants were able to focus on recovery, even with COVID-19 restrictions in place.
Staying connected
Partnering with the TELUS Mobility for Good program, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation also funded tablets for residents and mobile devices for staff to help them stay connected with participants who were unable to come to the Centre.
“The funding provided by the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has had a direct impact on our participants, allowing them to remain connected throughout this pandemic” says Bridge Youth & Family Services Society Executive Director, Celine Thompson. “By upgrading our technology systems and outfitting our organization with mobile devices and tablets, we have enabled participants to stay in contact with family, friends and support workers while participating in our programs and undergoing recovery.”
For participants experiencing personal recoveries, keeping them connected is a key to their success. With the TELUS Future Friendly Foundation’s support, the Bridge Youth & Family Services Society can continue its meaningful work in the Okanagan community.
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