A new non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible mental health services is launching in Delta this November.

Step Forward Health Society, a wellness initiative committed to breaking down financial barriers to mental health care, will host a launch event on Nov. 16 at The Red Barn at Southlands in Tsawwassen (6333 Market Ave.) from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event will introduce the community to Step Forward Health鈥檚 services and vision to promote mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, according to a press release.

鈥淥ur mission is to remove financial barriers and offer mental health programs to individuals who otherwise couldn鈥檛 afford them,鈥� society president Meg Neufeld said in a press release.

鈥淲e believe that mental health care should be accessible to all, and we鈥檙e excited to create a space that cares for the whole person 鈥� mind, body, and spirit.鈥�

According to the society鈥檚 website, Step Forward started as a subsidy fund within Alongside You 鈥� an integrated health clinic in Ladner founded by Meg and Andrew Neufeld 鈥� that from 2015 to 2022 provided over $500,000 in mental health services to the community.

Towards the end of 2022, Alongside You and long-time collaborator 140 Sports Association, a like-minded organization founded by Fred Wells to engage youth in mental health education and support through local youth sports teams, agreed that it made sense to join forces and merge the Step Forward Program with 140 Sports鈥� operations as a new registered charity.

The next year, 140 Sports Association was renamed Step Forward Health Society and the Step Forward Program was moved from Alongside You into the revamped non-profit, with an eye towards expanding both services.

The launch event release states Step Forward Health Society鈥檚 mission is to ensure that no one is turned away from receiving vital mental health support due to financial limitations.

With a multidisciplinary approach, the society integrates qualified mental health care, education, training and community partnerships to deliver holistic health services to individuals, couples, youth and families, all designed to be inclusive and affordable, the release states.

Through collaborative partnerships with local businesses, community organizations and clinical professionals, Step Forward Health strives to create a culture of open dialogue around mental health, dismantle stigma and foster a more supportive community.

November鈥檚 launch event will be catered by Mario's Kitchen and feature live music, inspiring storytelling, a live auction and more as guests learn more about the organization鈥檚 mission, meet the team behind the initiative and explore ways to get involved.

Attendees will also be introduced to sponsorship and donation opportunities, which allow local businesses and organizations to support the cause and help expand mental health access across the community.

鈥淲e are seeking partners who share our vision of healthier communities, and we invite businesses and community members to join us at our launch event,鈥� Neufeld said in a press release. 鈥淭ogether, we can strengthen access to mental health support and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.鈥�

Tickets for the four-hour event are $125, and Step Forward Health is offering a variety of sponsorship packages designed to benefit local businesses and organizations while helping expand mental health care access.

For more details about the event and/or sponsorship opportunities, visit .

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