The City of St. Albert has partnered with a Sherwood Park based non-profit to offer counselling services to victims of sexual violence, the city announced today.
The non-profit, Saffron Centre, will offer counselling services to St. Albertans four and older on a sliding fee basis, a city news release says. The Saffron Centre's website says counselling services start at $170 for a 50 minute session, although the fee would be lowered for residents unable to afford the cost.
“This new partnership will allow residents access to timely and affordable counselling,” the city's news release says. “With almost 50 per cent of Albertans having experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, this is a crime that affects everyone.”
Mayor Cathy Heron said in the release improved accessibility to counselling services is important
“Accessible counselling services in the City of St. Albert are so important for survivors and their families and supporters,” Heron said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the expertise of Saffron Centre’s counsellors to residents who are seeking supports for recent or historic sexual trauma.”
“It is such a privilege to be able to work collaboratively with them to provide healing counselling in our community.”
Saffron Centre's executive director, Roxane Tiessen, said in the release the partnership will bring needed services to the community, as many residents have had to access counselling outside city limits.
“There are so many people who are suffering from the effects of sexual violence and residents of St. Albert have always had to travel beyond the city to get low or no cost counselling,” Tiessen said.
“This partnership is a critical opportunity for the residents of St. Albert to access counselling to heal from sexual trauma.”
To access the counselling services, visit the Saffron Centre's website.
