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The Nova Scotia government will work with a Halifax community health centre to figure out funding for its mental health walk-in service.

The North End Community Health Centre said Tuesday funding would run out Thursday for its Pause: Mental Health Walk-In Pilot Project, which was funded by the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage through its building vibrant communities grant.

The minister responsible for that department, Leo Glavine, told reporters Thursday money for the clinic will be found.

“I’m certain that we can find support for the mental health clinic,” Glavine said.

The minister said his department has funded other NECHC programming this year but there was no specific request made for the mental health walk-in clinic.

“Now that the need has become public, we’ll certainly take a look at what is needed.”

Megan MacBride, a social worker at the community health centre, told The Chronicle Herald on Tuesday that most people who used the walk-in counselling service often faced long wait-lists or incompatible appointment times elsewhere.

“Running a program that took away a lot of those barriers has shown us how folks are really willing and wanting to talk about their mental health.”

More than 60 people used the walk-in service that was offered from 5-9 p.m. two nights a week and about 60 per cent returned for further care, she said.

Marie-France LeBlanc, the health centre’s executive director, said she had been in touch with the communities department Thursday to confirm a funding arrangement would be explored.

“That’s very good news, we’re thrilled,” she said in an interview. “It’s great that they’ve seen the value of it and they’re going to try to find a way to continue it because it’s a real need in the community.”

LeBlanc estimated the annual cost of the program will be between $50,000 and $55,000.

She said it was always known the pilot funding would run out and that they wouldn’t be able to reapply. But there is another funding route that the centre wasn't made aware of until Thursday.

LeBlanc said she’ll be looking for more consistent and reliable support so there won't be uncertainty about the walk-in clinic’s future.

“I think the (government) person I talked to today told me the minister was very committed to … look at ways to continue this so we’re hoping for that. … But from my perspective, I will be looking for sustainable funding for sure.”

Unless a funding arrangement can be reached Monday or Tuesday, she said it's not likely the clinic will reopen until sometime after next week.

"I know that our counsellors that run it are very committed to it so as long as we can get them back in place, we’ll make it happen. So certainly our intention is to get it up and running as soon as possible as soon as we get some funding in place."