The Sunshine Coast is about to witness a transformation in youth healthcare and wellness services with the arrival of Foundry BC. With annual funding for operations and services provided by the Province and run by Sunshine Coast Community Services (SCCSS), Foundry Sunshine Coast will provide integrated health and wellness support, including mental health and addiction services, tailored to youth aged 12 to 24.
Community members can learn more at a series of pop-up booths across the Coast. Foundry Manager Lesley Clarke will be there to answer questions, get community input and talk about the need for youth resources on the Coast. “We encourage people to come down and chat with us, especially youth. There are many opportunities for young people to get involved and help shape how the new Foundry will look, feel, and operate.”
The series will start on Monday, Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. - to 12:30 p.m. at the Health Centre, Pender Harbour; on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons; Wednesday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Trail Bay Mall, Sechelt; and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Gumboot Café, Roberts Creek.
There are 16 Foundry centres open across B.C., with an additional seven Foundry centres in development, providing a haven where youth can seek assistance, connect with compassionate care providers, and access resources to navigate their health and social needs. The new centre will offer free, respectful, non-judgmental, and strength-based services within a welcoming environment. Community Services Society will host the centre, where multiple services will be conveniently accessible under one roof (location to be confirmed). Foundry Sunshine Coast is a partnership between SCCSS, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority - MHSU, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority -Public Health & Primary Care, BC Ministry of Child and Family Development Sunshine Coast, School District (SD46), Division of Family Practice, shíshálh Nation, Sunshine Coast Association for Community Living and Pender Harbour Health Centre.
Currently in its initial planning stage, Foundry Sunshine Coast is already demonstrating its commitment to the community, including engaging in community outreach efforts, formation of Youth and Family/Caregiver Advisory Committees, and searching for an ideal location for the new facility. Foundry Sunshine Coast is poised to provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to the specific needs of local youth. Core services will encompass primary healthcare and address physical and sexual health, mental health and substance use support, and social services such as vocational, educational, and financial assistance.
“Being a single parent of a young adult, I cannot help but see the pressures this generation is facing, and I know that I can only do so much. The promise of Foundry gives me hope that the tools needed to guide our kids into adulthood in an increasingly complicated and hostile world will be available to them in their community,” said one Sunshine Coast parent.
If you or a loved one requires immediate assistance, you can access Foundry provincial virtual services through the Foundry BC app available from the Apple App Store or Google Play or access via the website Foundrybc.ca/virtual.
Foundry Sunshine Coast is a united community endeavor. To get involved and support this initiative, contact Lesley Clarke, Foundry Manager, at [email protected] or call 604-865-0951.
