News

We are thrilled to share that the British Columbia Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has provided the foundation with more than $1.1 million to expand our Looking Glass Counselling | Bridge the Gap program.  

With these sustainable funds, our organization has the capacity to maintain and gradually expand our affordable one-to-one counselling program, offering accessible eating disorder therapeutic support, while continuing to provide a meaningful learning experience for students in the field of counselling.  

“When people make the important decision to reach out for support, it’s important that the right support is available to answer the call,” stated Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Jennifer Whiteside. “That’s why government is helping important organizations like Looking Glass Foundation expand their services so that more people living with eating disorders can access immediate and compassionate support and the care they need.”  

This program ‘bridges the gap’ in accessible eating disorder counselling in the province, gives people a safe space to process their challenges and gain a sense of hope that recovery is possible, and equips new therapists with the specialized skills and experience to meet the needs of those affected by disordered eating.  

Looking Glass Foundation will invest the allocated funds over the next three years. Some areas of expansion will include support for approx. 10-15 practicum students and 100 clients per year. Plus, the hiring of 2-3 full-time Registered Clinical Counsellors to support more complex clients and further client retention. 

This grant represents a monumental step forward in the destigmatization and recognition of eating disorders as a mental illness in British Columbia, and a commitment to increasing the supports available to those who are affected by this devastating and nuanced disease. While this step is important, there is still so much more work to be done! Looking Glass Foundation will continue to advocate for accessible, affordable and immediate services while breaking down the shame and stigma associated with eating disorders, but we can’t do it alone. 

To learn more about how to get involved with our Looking Glass Counselling | Bridge the Gap, and/or any of our other programs and services offered please reach out to info@lookingglassbc.com. 

To read the govt’s news release in full, visit here 

To learn more about A Pathway To Hope, the govt’s plan to build an integrated system of mental health and addictions care that is equitable to everyone in the province, visit here.