More residential mental health beds are operating in Saskatchewan to safely help people transition from hospital back into their communities.

There are 77 new mental-health-residential-beds available in Saskatchewan which are the result of a commitment in the 2019-20 provincial budget and annual funding that started last year.

Minister responsible Everett Hindley says “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”

The government says this also reduces the use of emergency rooms, police cells, homeless shelters and mental health beds in hospitals.

The Executive Director of Mental Health and Addictions with the Saskatchewan Health Authority says people living with and recovering from mental illness sometimes experience housing insecurity that is a barrier to their recovery,

Colleen Quinlan explains that organizations providing these supported living arrangements can support individuals as they focus on recovery goals that maintain optimal living, and help them work through barriers that challenge their stability.”

The province says this year’s dollar investment in mental health and addictions supports and services accounts for 7.5 per cent of the overall Health Budget.