A new online service is transforming mental health and substance use supports for youth across the province.
Foundry Virtual offers free voice, video and online chat counselling, peer support and various groups for youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers.
By providing drop-in counselling, peer support and family support in this low barrier format, Foundry Virtual aims to ensure support is available for young people seeking care during a time of exacerbated mental health challenges and decreased ability to access physical services.
“Our physical centres across B.C. help thousands of youth face mental health and substance use challenges—and will continue to do so. During a time of crisis, we are deeply proud to support youth with a service that bypasses many of the barriers often faced, including distance, stigma or social isolation” said Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director of Foundry.
Every offering was developed in close collaboration with young people, including those who already access Foundry’s services and those who do not currently have access. Ensuring meaningful engagement is at the forefront of the network’s model, which considers youth and families equal partners in program development and community building.
“Foundry Virtual helps me be who I needed when I was younger. As a young person, I lived in a small town, with no transit, no local mental health resources or even resources at school. After I attempted suicide, it would take 7 years to find resources that fit with me. Even if the resources did exist, I was a closeted queer a young person in a conservative and religious town, talking about how I felt didn’t feel safe,” said Alicia Raimundo, Foundry Virtual Project Manager, explaining they often felt more comfortable online.
“By co-creating Foundry Virtual with amazing young people, families, and service providers we are helping young people who find barriers in accessing in-person services, especially in the time in COVID-19,” They added.
Foundry’s network currently includes nine community-based, partnership-driven centres across BC–in Campbell River, Victoria, North Shore, Vancouver, Ridge Meadows, Abbotsford, Penticton, Kelowna, and Prince George, with two additional centres in Richmond and Terrace currently in development.
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