Sask. social services mobile outreach team doubles in size, expands access to community locations
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services says its mobile outreach team is doubling in size. A total of 20 social workers will now provide services in the community rather than from a government office.
A drug store isn’t where people might think of going to access social assistance.
Queen City Wellness Pharmacy believes that having a government social worker on site is effective.
“They don’t think that anybody wants to help them and having somebody right here shows that ‘no we want to help you,’” pharmacy operator Sarah Kuzusko explained. “We are coming to where you are and asking what you need and were laying it out and were taking away as many barriers as we can.”
A social worker is now present at Queen City Wellness several days per week. The move is part of Ministry’s initiative to meet people where they are.
“I believe the Salvation Army has somebody and different shelters throughout,” Minister Gene Makowsky told reporters. “We’re looking where we can expand.”
Matthew Neuls is one such resident who has reached out to get help accessing housing.
“They’re connected to various housing authorities and businesses especially for those who are homeless and looking for help in finding a place to stay,” he explained. “Currently I’m staying at the Salvation Army which is a great, great place as well.”
Social workers are the latest to be deployed in the community – joining other professionals such as nurse practitioners and crisis workers – part of push to reach more people to bringing services to where they are.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates A 'ticking time bomb': Inside Syria's toughest prison holding accused high-ranking ISIS members
In the last of a three-part investigation, W5's Avery Haines was given rare access to a Syrian prison, where thousands of accused high-ranking ISIS members are being held.
As Australia bans social media for children, Quebec is paying close attention
As Australia moves to ban social media for children under 16, Quebec is debating whether to follow suit.
Irregular sleep patterns may raise risk of heart attack and stroke, study suggests
Sleeping and waking up at different times is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even for people who get the recommended amount of sleep, according to new research.
California man who went missing for 25 years found after sister sees his picture in the news
It’s a Thanksgiving miracle for one California family after a man who went missing in 1999 was found 25 years later when his sister saw a photo of him in an online article, authorities said.
Trudeau Liberals' two-month GST holiday bill passes the House, off to the Senate
The federal government's five-page piece of legislation to enact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised two-month tax break on a range of consumer goods over the holidays passed in the House of Commons late Thursday.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Sneak peek ahead of the reopening
After more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral showed its new self to the world Friday, with rebuilt soaring ceilings and creamy good-as-new stonework erasing somber memories of its devastating fire in 2019.
Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says
The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark.
Can't resist Black Friday weekend deals? How to shop while staying within your budget
A budgeting expert says there are a number of ways shoppers can avoid getting enveloped by the sales frenzy and resist spending beyond their means.
Montreal shopping mall playing 'Baby Shark' song to prevent unhoused from loitering
A shopping mall and office complex in downtown Montreal is being criticized for using the popular children's song 'Baby Shark' to discourage unhoused people from loitering in its emergency exit stairwells.