Wellkin Continues to Provide Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

Thursday, 2 April 2020 at 13:30

Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Wellness will stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing tele-support and tele-counselling.

WOODSTOCK/OXFORD/ELGIN/ST.THOMAS - Wellkin Child & Youth Mental Wellness will stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing greater tele-support and tele-counselling.

Executive Director Mamta Chail says they are accepting new clients every day.

"We are pleased to inform our community that the staff at Wellkin have placed the utmost importance on providing expanded services and tele-support in response to the rapid escalation of mental health needs for our children, youth and families. This effort is made to reduce the impact on emergency care at hospitals and medical staff that are focused on addressing those impacted by COVID-19."

Staff will provide support over the phone Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Friday from 8:30-4 pm. Any child, youth or family member in need of support, including those that maybe facing a heightened level of anxiety or other mental health issues during these tough times, can contact Wellkin at 519-539-0463 and schedule an appointment. This practice will be in place until April 6, 2020 and re-evaluated at that time.

As always, after agency hours, in collaboration with the London Crisis & Intake Team (C-IT), the Crisis Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling: 519-539-0463 or 1-877-539-0463.

Chail says staff are ready and willing to help out

"Our staff are prepared to continue to provide essential mental health services for children and youth to ensure they receive the care they need. We also remain focused on evaluating new and different methods of support. As always, we will continue to keep our communities informed of any updates. On a personal note, I want to thank the amazing team at Wellkin for going above and beyond in this time of need. I also ask everyone located in our communities to be kind, patient and generous in their support of everyone, especially those from vulnerable populations."

Wellkin also has plenty of tips and resources on how to talk to your kids during this difficult time online here.

The full interview with Executive Director Mamta Chail is available below: