Kamsack Comprehensive Institute students were welcomed by staff and support services On September 7, with a pancake breakfast, which was the kick-off to the new Safe Landings support services program.
The program focuses on sharing education, resources and ongoing support with youth and staff at KCI through a variety of methods and community services, said Rayne Townsend, outreach worker for SIGN (Society for Involvement of Good Neighbours).
The Safe Landings Program focuses on providing youth with access to community supports that aid in encouraging positive lifelong skills and knowledge, Townsend said, adding that she, who works with the Kamsack Outreach Program will be working with Tracy Forsythe, the KCI principal in overseeing the program and co-ordinating further details throughout the school year.
Important topics identified by Forsythe as well as the Kamsack Outreach Program include but are not limited to mental health and addictions, healthy relationships, awareness on sexually transmitted infections, self-care and positive coping strategies, she said.
The pancake breakfast was an opportunity for students and staff to learn about Safe Landings and get to know support services involved in the program.
Support services involved range from mental health, health care, addictions, public speakers and law enforcement, she said. This initiative will provide students and staff at KCI with more consistency regarding ongoing support for both school-based and the personal struggles that youths face.
The Safe Landings: Support Services Program will be available at the school every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to provide presentations, group discussions and informal information sessions with students and staff.
