The YMCA of Northern B.C. will provide a "one-stop shop" by this spring for young people seeking help, the provincial government said Friday.
Foundry Prince George will provide support to youth ages 12 to 24 years old and their families in the areas of primary care, mental health, substance-use and social services.
"By launching Foundry Prince George, we're opening doors to youth and families through an integrated and personal approach," said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond in a statement.
"We are empowering young people to take charge of their lives and begin the journey to better emotional, physical and mental health."
The announcement follows on one in June, when the provincial government said Prince George will be among five B.C. communities where an integrated youth service centre will be established.
"I understand that we've seen success with this approach at the Granville Youth Health Centre in Vancouver, and our hope is that Prince George youth and families experience the same benefits," Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris said.
The idea is to allow for earlier therapeutic interventions, when mental-health problems are just emerging. The centre will provide access to an extensive interdisciplinary team: general practitioners, nurse practitioners, mental-health and substance-use clinicians, youth and family peer support and navigation workers, youth and guardianship workers, income assistance and supported employment support, outreach workers, LGBTQ+ support and navigation, outreach workers, Aboriginal child-service social workers and other Aboriginal services.
"Foundry Prince George will bring together a multitude of existing youth services from our valued partners in Prince George," said YMCA of Northern B.C. CEO Amanda Alexander.
"These partners will come together in one building, working collaboratively to meet youth's needs. These services will be easy to access, youth friendly, aim at earlier intervention and will work together to ensure that all of a youth's needs, whether that be mental, physical, emotional or vocational are met."
The Ministry of Health provided $3 million to the InnerChange Foundation in March 2015 to develop the centres, and are supported by additional partner funding. The other Foundry centres announced were North Shore, Kelowna, Campbell River and Abbotsford.
The YMCA of Northern BC has initiated a local fundraising campaign with a goal of $250,000 to support the centre. The Ministry of Children and Family Development is also investing $255,000 over the next three years to provide space for the centre.
The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation will be providing assistance through
support staff.
