WHITE ROCK, B.C. – Residents of White Rock and South Surrey can participate in a brand-new survey aimed at improving access to local mental health services. 

Resident Survey for Improving Access to Mental Health launches on November 4, 2022. Participation is voluntary and free, and responses will be accepted online until November 15, 2022. 

The survey was created by a local working group consisting of volunteers from Alex House, Brella, Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, Sources, Together-SSWR, White Rock South Surrey Division of Family Practice Physicians, and other community advocates who have come together to support residents. 

Both the working group and survey project are supported with funds from Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s (PAHF) Healthy Communities initiative, which funds programs, and initiatives that enhance the health and wellness for those living in the White Rock and South Surrey area. 

“We know that the development of sustainable mental health programs is critical to increasing the overall health and wellness of our community,” says Stephanie Beck, Executive Director of Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. “By better understanding the unique experience and needs of our community members, our working group will be able to work with residents to identify and implement opportunities for improving mental health service access and capacity for residents”.

“White Rock South Surrey service providers have a strong culture of collaboration, and as we build stronger relationships with local psychologists and advocates, we also need to hear from residents about their experiences navigating our local mental health system,” says Penny Bradley, Executive Director of Alex House. “This survey is our first step engaging residents in a process that will be innovative, responsive, and community informed, resulting in improved access to mental health supports.”

All information collected will remain anonymous and will not be connected personally to respondents. The results of the survey will be compiled and used to create innovative, community-based programs with a focus on improving mental health service access, beginning in 2023. 

Residents interested in completing the survey can do so at www.together-ssrwr.com/sparkchange