Asking for help is hard enough. And when it comes to your health and wellness, you shouldn’t have to ask more than once.
That’s why Foundry offers young people ages 12 to 24 access to all the help they need, all through a single door. Ask for help once, and Foundry links youth with everything from primary, sexual and mental health care to social services, substance use services and peer support.
According to Foundry BC, one in four youth say that they would have gone nowhere, had their Foundry centre been unavailable — if that door wasn’t open, they simply wouldn’t have received help. In Terrace, that door is open at 101-3219 Eby St., where all services are free, and youth can find the help they need.
Living a good life
Foundry was launched in 2015 with the mission to support young people in living a good life. The phrase ‘living a good life’ was inspired by First Nations and Métis youth who participated in a Talking Circle with Foundry, and it acknowledges the diverse nature, experiences and perspectives of health and wellness.
At Foundry Terrace, young people ages 12 to 24 can access a variety of services, both in-person and through phone and internet support:
- Clinical counselling (by appointment)
- Walk-in counselling (drop-in available)
- Youth and family peer support
- Youth groups
- Community Health Nurse and Intensive Case Management Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Foundry Works employment training
- Much more, just ask!
Right now, Foundry is hosted by Terrace & District Community Services Society (TDCSS) at an interim (non-permanent) site at 101-3219 Eby St., but there are plans to create a purpose-built space with plenty of room for services, socializing and support.
Removing barriers to care
Foundry places youth and families at the centre of care and wraps core services around them, removing barriers, integrating services and providing early intervention. Young people are empowered to determine which services would best help them live a good life — the choice is up to the individual.
Referrals are not required, and all services are free.
Accessing help can often be confusing and time consuming — if the service you need exists, you may be put on a long waitlist before receiving care, or you may have to wait until your symptoms are severe. In Canada an estimated 70 per cent of mental health challenges begin during childhood or adolescence, and, while one in five young people aged 15 to 24 report experiencing mental illness or substance use problems, fewer than 25 per cent receive appropriate services. By reaching young people earlier — before their concerns severely impact their relationships, health and wellbeing — Foundry aims to provide young people the support they need to thrive.
Youth today face a challenging world: a global pandemic, systemic racism, a climate in crisis, toxic drugs, a changing job market. Foundry makes it a little easier to cope.
Learn more at foundrybc.ca/terrace and on Facebook and Instagram @foundry_terrace.