B.C. Expands Youth Health Services with Five New Foundry Centres

The British Columbia government has announced the opening of five new Foundry youth health centres, enhancing access to essential mental health services for young people across the province. One of the new centres will be located in Port McNeill on Vancouver Island, designed to cater specifically to youth aged 12 to 24, as well as their caregivers.

These centres will provide a variety of services, including drop-in counselling, peer support, physical and sexual health care, and workshops focused on education and employment. In addition to in-person services, the Port McNeill location will offer free, confidential, and easily accessible online support. The centre will be operated by the North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society, which is also connected to the existing Foundry location in Port Hardy.

Details on Expansion and Community Focus

While specific opening dates for the new centres have not been disclosed, the B.C. government indicated that each location will tailor its services to meet the unique needs of the community, determined through consultations with youth and families. The additional sites include locations in Pemberton, West Kelowna, Summerland, and 100 Mile House.

Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions, emphasized the importance of these expansions. “Providing more young people with confidential, same-day access to mental-health and substance-use supports within small communities will ensure that youth experiencing challenges can easily connect to supports when they need it,” she stated. Shah noted that expanding Foundry services in smaller communities is vital for ensuring that more young people feel seen, supported, and cared for in their own environments.

Currently, there are 19 Foundry centres operating throughout British Columbia, with four situated on Vancouver Island in Campbell River, Comox Valley, Victoria, and Port Hardy. The government has further indicated that an additional 16 centres are in various stages of development, including sites in Port Alberni, the West Shore, and Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo).

For more information about the services offered by Foundry or to download the Foundry BC app, individuals can visit the Foundry BC website. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving mental health resources for youth in British Columbia, ensuring that they have access to the necessary support within their communities.