Young people in qathet region will have access to much-needed integrated health and wellness services, including mental-health and addiction supports at a new foundry centre.
According to a media release from the ministry of mental health and addictions, Foundry Powell River, serving the qathet region, will offer young people 12 to 24 and their families safe, welcoming, and youth-designed health and wellness services, including mental-health and addiction support, drop-in counselling, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer support and social services.
“Young people, like so many British Columbians, have faced such uncertainty over the past few years with the COVID-19 pandemic, toxic-drug crisis, and extreme weather emergencies, stated Powell River – Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons. “As a result, more young people are reaching out for help, and they need to be met with care and support. I look forward to celebrating the opening of Foundry Powell River, where more young people will have access to the mental health and addiction supports they need.”
Collette Sinkewicz, youth programs supervisor, Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society (PRCYFSS), stated that the organization is thrilled this community has been selected as a new foundry location. Foundry Powell River will be operated by the PRCYFSS.
“We are grateful to our community partners for being with us on this journey and we’re excited to get the work underway,” stated Sinkewicz. “This community has terrific teams committed to supporting youth and their families and together we will make foundry a reality for youth in Powell River and qathet region.”
According to the release, children and youth have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, toxic-drug crisis and climate-related emergencies. That’s why the province is investing $74.9 million through Budget 2023 to open 12 more foundry centres in BC, for a total of 35 foundry centres across the province. Vernon and Powell River are the first two communities that have been selected for a new centre, the release stated. The process to select the remaining communities will launch in September 2023 and applications will be due by November 2023.
“Every young person in British Columbia deserves health-care services that meets their unique needs, including access to primary care, mental-health support, regardless of their location,” stated Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions. “A new foundry centre in Powell River will be a beacon for young people, providing a safe and judgment-free space to find mental health, wellness and addiction supports close to home.”
It’s necessary for young people to access mental-health and wellness services where and when they need them, stated Mitzi Dean, minister of children and family development.
“With this new foundry centre coming to Powell River, youth and families will now have a one-stop service nearby that they can count on, enabling them to meet their goals because of these essential supports,” stated Dean.
The province will be providing annual funding for operations and services at Foundry Powell River, as well as one-time funding of $1.5 million to establish the centre.
