There are more residential mental health beds available in Saskatchewan. 

Last week, the provincial government announced there were 77 more residential mental health beds operating in Saskatchewan, provided by community-based organizations that offer psychiatric rehabilitation services. The funding for the beds was promised in the 2019-20 provincial budget, and the funding started with $6 million in the 2020-21 budget.  

A residential mental health bed offers services for those who have severe and persistent mental health needs. The goal is to provide help for people with those challenges and to allow them to live in the community. 

“Residential beds are an important support for people experiencing mental health challenges that allow them to continue living in the community and to their fullest potential,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a written release. “These new beds help fulfill our commitment to increasing mental health care services in Saskatchewan.” 

“People living with and recovering from mental illness sometimes experience housing insecurity that is a barrier to their recovery,” Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Executive Director of Mental Health and Addictions – Urban Colleen Quinlan said. “The organizations providing these supported living arrangements are welcoming and understand the challenges people living with a severe mental illness face. They can support individuals as they focus on recovery goals that maintain optimal living, and help them work through barriers that challenge their stability.” 

Of the beds that were recently opened, 25 are in Regina provided by the Phoenix Residential Society. Lighthouse Supportive Living in Saskatoon provides 25 residential mental health beds, while Crisis Intervention Service/Saskatchewan Native Rental provides five beds. The YWCA in Saskatoon provides four beds as well. 

The Edwards Residential Society in North Battleford provides eight less intensive residential mental health beds. A total of 10 beds in Prince Albert, provided by the YWCA, will open in March of this year.