Redside sees surge in need as guides grapple with COVID-19

Let's face it - this has been a weird and stressful year. And for guides, it's been particularly difficult. Guiding during a global pandemic has been hard in many ways and continues to raise new challenges for Idaho guides. Many faced layoffs and/or reduced work schedules. All dealt with or are dealing with incredible uncertainty with last-minute cancellations and bookings, never knowing what the next trip will look like or if there will even be one, and not knowing if the guests will be comfortable/compliant with new COVID-19 protocols. Social distancing and ‘podding’ left many guides feeling disconnected from their guests, fostering a constant source of anxiety. Most guides finished their summer season with less money than anticipated in their pockets, a sense of unease, and those who count on the ski industry for winter work are still uncertain what their next season will bring. And to top it off? Next year appears to be more of the same thanks to COVID-19.

The Redside Guide Helpline has seen a surge in calls since the onset of COVID-19 with more guides seeking counseling than ever before. We are up 24% in spending (annually, we budget a 5% increase) to cover the Guide Helpline and remove the cost of mental health care sessions for guides who need it. As we move into the shoulder season, we need to call on the strength of our community. No one could have anticipated this huge increase in the need for our core service, and now more than ever our Idaho guides need us.

We are grateful more guides are reaching out and getting the help they need from The Redside Foundation. We're also grateful to The Redside Community for helping to provide cost-free access to mental and emotional health care for guides.

We need your help.

The fall and early winter months traditionally see an uptick in calls and counseling. Seasonal affective disorder, depression, difficult seasonal transitions, unemployment, health concerns, relationships, trauma, and addressing substance use are common reasons guides seek help in the fall. With the added stressors of COVID-19, this year and next we anticipate an increase in not only calls but also in the severity of necessity in addressing the mental health care of our guides.

Guides are our family, our friends, and leaders in our communities. They are the cornerstone of the recreation economy, second only to agriculture in Idaho. Healthy guides mean a healthy Idaho.

Support the guiding community and The Redside Foundation by donating now. You can donate through our website, on Venmo @redside-foundation (last four of phone number is 8090), or mail a check to PO Box 8734, Boise ID 83707.

You can also show your support by buying a guide amulet, hat, or stickers from our online shop.

All monies raised in the fall fundraising drive will go directly to fund mental health and substance abuse counseling.

Thank you for your support.

We appreciate all you do to help the Guiding Community

Redside Fall Fundraiser

Redside sees a surge in need as guides grapple with COVID-19. Help us support the Guiding Community throughout COVID-19.

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