CHILLIWACK- New Democrat MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon say more young people will have better access to vital health care services, including primary care, counselling, early intervention, prevention and addictions supports closer to home with a new Foundry centre on the way in Chilliwack.
“There has been an outpouring of support and advocacy for more youth services here in Chilliwack, and I am thrilled that soon we’ll have more resources to help young people who might be struggling,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “The compassionate people here who work and volunteer with youth and care so much about our community will help ensure that this new Foundry centre can make an incredible impact.”
Chilliwack has been awarded $1.5 million in provincial funding for a Foundry centre, and joins 25 other communities with centres that are already open or in development across B.C.
“Investing in our youth is one of the most important things we can do to strengthen our community, said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “Foundry centres across the province have already helped so many young people, and this new centre will make a real difference for youth here in Chilliwack.”
Approximately 75 per cent of serious mental health issues emerge before age 25, and the pandemic, global uncertainty, and climate emergencies continue to disproportionately impact young people, resulting in increased rates of depression and anxiety.
Foundry centres are a critical part of the province’s work to address this increasing need for supports by offering young people ages 12-24 and their families access to free and confidential services including mental health and addiction counselling, physical and sexual health care, peer support and social services.
The Province continues to build on Budget 2023 investments of $236 million in new and expanded addictions care for youth and young adults, including almost $75 million for Foundry expansion and enhanced services.
Learn More: Youth benefit from significant increase in mental-health, addiction care | BC Gov News
QUOTES:
Jennifer Dickie, Interim Executive Director and Dan Bibby, Board President at Chilliwack Youth Health Centre:
“Chilliwack youth Health Centre is excited to hear the announcement that a Foundry will be coming to the Chilliwack community. We look forward to partnering with Fraser Health in the development of a Chilliwack Foundry.”
Chief Derek Epp, Tzeachten First Nation:
“It is a great to know youth will have more access to wellness, early intervention, counselling services and more in our community with a new Foundry Centre, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with Fraser Health on this exciting work. Accessing care can be overwhelming, especially if you’re young, and this centre means that youth in Chilliwack can have a one-stop-shop to get on track with the care they need.”
Jason Lum, Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District:
“This is great news for Chilliwack and the region. I know how hard local advocates worked to make the case for a Foundry, this Provincial investment will be welcome, and go a long way to ensure young people who need supports aren’t being left behind.”
Teri Westerby, School Trustee for SD 33:
“Stronger services for youth is indeed something to celebrate. There are young people in our community who really struggle with mental health and addictions issues and these additional supports will help expand the scope of care and help youth in Chilliwack with a hopeful and happy future.”