The Canadian Mental Health Association's office in Portage la Prairie was active during 2007.

Regional Manager Leisa Miness notes they dealt with an average of 30 drop-ins a day, which represents an increase over previous years. She thinks that's partly because the centre is becoming known as a good resource outlet.

Miness points out they offer peer connection, one-on-one support, as well as job and housing search aids.

She isn't surprised at the added activity at the centre, noting statistics coming out indicate one in three people are affected by mental illness, compared to one in five. Miness stresses they don't only deal with severe problems, but also with everyday issues that require a bit of help.

She expects 2008 to be busier than 2007.