Chilliwack – Chilliwack has been selected as one of 10 communities in BC that will be receiving a new Foundry centre.
Foundry Centres offer a range of health and wellness services for people ages 12-24 and their families, including mental health and addiction care. Foundry centres are already open in 16 communities in BC, with nine more under development. These ten new centres will bring the province-wide total to 35.
Serious mental health issues often appear before age 25. Adding more Foundry centres is just one way we’re taking action to expand the prevention, early intervention and treatment young people need to live full and healthy lives.
Chilliwack has been awarded $1.5 million in provincial funding for a Foundry centre.
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.
Learn more: https://bcndpcaucus.ca/…/mlas-paddon-and-coulter-say…/
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.”
