The Tupper Street Family Resource Centre's offering a program focusing on mental health for young children in Portage la Prairie. Executive director Cathy Vanstone says it's a first for Portage.

"I'm really excited following training in a new program called Handle With Care promoting mental health in young children," Vanstone explains. "It's a new program for our area. I'm very pleased that after the training we're going to be able to offer it in Portage la Prairie."

She says participants must commit to the entire eight weeks, leaving the first two sessions open to everyone, with the following six weeks only available to those who participated in the first two. Vanstone notes any parent or caregiver can get involved, and the free program starts March 3.

Topics covered include:

Building a strong relationship with your child.
Building your child's self-esteem.
Helping your child express emotions.
Helping your child form healthy relationships with others.

Sessions start March 3, and run from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.

To register contact Cathy Vanstone at (204) 239-3997