Round-the-clock mental health services is one step closer in Niagara.

A motion introduced at Queen's Park Thursday by Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates received support from all parties, paving the way for an additional $2.5 million for mental health and addictions services across the region.

The extra funding will allow crisis drop-in centres in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines to operate 24 hours per day (they currently close at 9 p.m. each night) while allowing a brand new 24/7 drop-in centre to open in Welland.

A timeline on when and how the funds will be allocated has yet to be announced, but Canadian Mental Health Association-Niagara Branch executive director Tara McKendrick said it's an important step in addressing Niagara's mental health situation.

"The immediate impact on Niagara is appreciation that the need was recognized and supported," she said, "and the hope that there will be additional mental health and addictions supports coming to Niagara."

The funding is also expected to provide more transportation to drop-in centres for people in need, and pay for additional staff for expanding programs.

A site for the new Welland centre will be chosen after "consultation with community partners," added McKendrick.

Approximately one person dies by suicide every eight days in Niagara. Gates was moved to push for the funding after recent suicides at the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines.

"We worked with community members to show the need for this, and I'm proud to see that the legislature agrees," he said. "Now, we'll move forward to get a timeline on that funding and to get these facilities up and running.

"This is an important piece - though just one part - of what we can do as a community to say to those struggling, 'You're not alone, you're loved and we care.'"

John.Law@niagaradailies.com

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