Sad womanWhile helping others, mental health counsellors risk experiencing burnout

CUPE 5316, the union representing workers at Family Service Saskatoon (FSS), has launched a campaign about the importance of mental health workers.

Family Service Saskatoon is a community service agency that provides mental health counselling for clients ages five and up, including seniors.

“Stressful working conditions and unprecedented demand for our services are adversely affecting the mental health of social workers and counsellors,” said Dolores Douglas, CUPE National Representative.  “There is a need to address the level of stress and trauma that mental health professionals deal with each day – a stress level that has only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The local has launched a campaign to reach out to the public during a challenging round of bargaining.

“We want people to be aware that while members of CUPE 5316 are helping others, they themselves are also experiencing burnout. They need more resources and more staff so they can recharge and continue to help others. Members of CUPE 5316 provide a vital service and are working towards a fair collective agreement for their members,” added Douglas.