Residents of Carman and the surrounding rural area will soon have improved access to mental health support close to home, thanks to a new initiative from Carman Wellness Connections (CWC).
The program, titled Stronger Together: Mental Health for All, aims to expand access to professional counselling services in a region where barriers such as distance, cost, transportation and stigma often make seeking help difficult.
Funded through Bell Let’s Talk, the program is currently supported through October 2026, with hopes of continuing beyond that timeline. The funding allows CWC to bring additional mental health resources directly into the community — an important part of its mission.
“Mental health is a key part of overall health, and by offering counselling locally, we are helping ensure individuals and families have the support they need to live healthy, connected lives,” said CWC co-ordinator Lisa Lehmann. “We want the community to know that support is available, confidential and accessible — no one has to navigate challenges alone.”
Accessing mental health care in rural communities has long been a challenge. For many residents, travelling to larger centres is not always practical, while long wait lists and financial constraints can further delay care. CWC developed the program to help remove these barriers and improve access.
“Offering services locally is incredibly important,” Lehmann added. “Local services make support more accessible, reduce stress and help people stay connected to their community while receiving care.”
After identifying a strong local need, a team of professionals was brought together through CWC to propose the program for funding through Bell Let’s Talk. Once approved, that same team guided implementation to ensure the program met community needs. Lehmann said funding is essential, allowing them to offer affordable, professional mental health services, and CWC plans to explore further funding options once support from Bell Let’s Talk ends in October.
Stronger Together offers flexible, client-centred services focused on meeting individuals where they are, whether they are experiencing ongoing mental health challenges or navigating difficult life transitions. Supports include one-on-one counselling, group therapy sessions, crisis support within scope and assistance navigating additional community resources.
Most sessions are 50 to 60 minutes long, though this may vary depending on the client. Participants can expect a safe and welcoming space to express concerns, develop coping strategies and set goals.
Leading the program is Gaylene Dueck, a certified counsellor with a Master of Arts in counselling. She is registered with both the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Dueck brings experience working with children, teens and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship concerns.
She uses a combination of therapeutic methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy and somatic practices. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and supported, and is passionate about making counselling more accessible in rural communities.
Individual counselling sessions are trauma-informed and focused on emotional well-being, coping skills and recovery. While assessments may be used to guide care, the program does not provide formal diagnoses, instead emphasizing support and practical strategies. Group therapy sessions will be developed based on emerging community needs, allowing the program to adapt and respond to local demand.
Lehmann said, for CWC, success looks like more people accessing the program.
“We hope to see reduced barriers, increased awareness and positive outcomes like stronger coping skills and improved well-being,” she added. “Building trust in local supports is another key measure of success.”
Beyond individual care, the program is expected to strengthen the community’s overall mental health capacity by reducing stigma, encouraging early support-seeking and fostering stronger connections among residents. Community members can support the program by raising awareness, reducing mental health stigma and encouraging others to seek support.
“This program is here to meet people where they are,” Lehmann said. “And reaching out is a strong and positive first step.”
All services are delivered in accordance with Manitoba legislation, including strict confidentiality under the Personal Health Information Act and the Mental Health Act. With client consent, collaboration with families and other service providers may also be part of the care process to ensure continuity of support. Appointments are scheduled based on individual needs, offering flexibility that is often lacking in traditional systems.
For more information or to access services, individuals can contact Carman Wellness Connections by phone or text at 1-204-750-8214 or by email at carmanwellnessconnections@gmail.com
