The province’s largest public sector union is contributing to a special scholarship program to help those with mental health issues and addictions move forward in a positive direction.

NAPE is providing the Health Care Foundation’s Moving Lives Forward Scholarship Program with $210,000 over the next four years.

The money will fund 12 semesters of education for people who have struggled with addictions or mental health challenges.

Union president Jerry Earle says his members have seen first-hand the difficulties some people face, and they’re happy to help.

“We’ve seen the testimonials, we’ve seen the direct impact” says Earle. “Issues around mental health and addictions is so challenging, knowing that there’s somebody who cares, and that somebody is going to support them, I think is incredibly important.”

Darlene Goodyear of the Health Care Foundation thanked NAPE for the support.

She says the program has already helped a number of people pursue educational opportunities ranging from swimming lessons to PhDs.

“This is one of our oldest, longest-lived programs within the Health Care Foundation. And so right now we’re seeing that the impact is huge and we’re reaching more people than ever…we are so thrilled.”