Foundry Abbotsford celebrates official opening!
Foundry Abbotsford has officially opened its doors, providing local youth and their families with supports for their mental-health, substance-use and overall wellness needs.
“There is nothing more important than ensuring young people get the support they need to take them through life’s challenges. For years, youth in B.C. have been underserved by mental health and addictions supports,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Foundry Abbotsford’s one-stop-shop provides that support by bringing together mental health, substance use and social services, so youth have the care they need and deserve, all under one roof.”
The new centre serves young people ages 12-24, and provides a safe and judgement-free environment where they can feel comfortable asking for help and accessing the services they need. The centre provides integrated wellness services, such as physical and mental-health care, substance-use supports, social services, and youth and family peer supports.
“The number of young people dealing with anxiety, depression and substance use issues is growing, and we know that prevention and early intervention are critical in helping them get back on track,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “Now Abbotsford youth will benefit from this long-overdue one-stop model of care.”
Located at 101-32555 Simon Ave., Foundry Abbotsford offers an interdisciplinary team of dedicated youth-focused health care providers focused on providing holistic, person-centred care to young people and their families. The centre provides access to a skilled team of knowledgeable and compassionate health-care and social-service professionals. They work together to prepare the most well-rounded and appropriate plan and course of action, based on the unique needs and circumstances of each youth that comes into the centre.
“Foundry takes a prevention and early intervention approach, helping overcome gaps and barriers in systems so young people and their families can access the support they need, when they need it — and not have to re-tell their story over and over,” says Dr. Steve Mathias, Foundry’s executive director. “We want to remove the stigma of seeking help, and reach young people early on — before small problems become big ones.”
The centre, operated by Abbotsford Community Services, brings together a variety of local organizations. These include services provided by Fraser Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and other community partners. The focus is to transform the way substance use and mental health and wellness services are provided to the city’s youth. Youth and families have been active members in the leadership of Foundry Abbotsford’s design and programming.
“There are rare moments in time when an individual is afforded the opportunity to be a part of a game-changing collective — something bigger than oneself,” said Rod Santiago, executive director of Abbotsford Community Services, the lead agency for Foundry Abbotsford. “Foundry offered such a moment for youth, families, advocates, service providers, funders, donors and dreamers who, together, have believed for a long time that there must be a better way for youth and young adults to access the full range of supports truly needed to be healthy and connected. Foundry is our dream come true.”
Services are provided in an integrated manner, working to ensure each young person receives the help they need on their path to wellness. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health and substance use clinicians, youth and family peer support and navigation workers, supported employment service workers, outreach workers, and other supports for the diverse needs of youth in the community.
Foundry Abbotsford is one of seven sites now open throughout the province, joining two locations in Vancouver (Granville and the North Shore), Kelowna, Campbell River, Prince George and Victoria. An additional four centres are in development
Foundry Victoria officially opens its doors to youth
Young people and their families living in the Victoria region now have access to a new one-stop shop to support their mental health and wellness needs, thanks to the official opening of the new Foundry Victoria centre.
“We need a youth mental-health system where you ask once and get help fast. Foundry is a successful example of that model,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Our young people are dealing with incredible pressures impacting their mental health, including anxiety, depression and substance use. Foundry brings together supports and services under one roof – a one-stop shop – so youth know where they can receive the care they deserve and need.”
Foundry Victoria, as with all Foundry centres, provides young people, aged 12 to 24 years, who are living with mental-health and substance-use challenges with a safe and judgment-free environment, where they can feel comfortable asking for help and accessing the services they need.
“The opening of Foundry Victoria builds on the legacy of the Victoria Youth Clinic, and this new project is possible, thanks to the leadership of the city’s service providers,” said Carole James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Our government is proud to support this innovative partnership, which will make a real difference for young people and families in our city.”
The centre’s services include integrated wellness services, including physical and mental-health care, substance-use supports, social services, and youth and family peer supports. NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support, a program that works to prevent suicide through community programs and a strong online presence, is located in the centre.
Foundry Victoria, which is operated by Victoria Youth Clinic, brings together a variety of local organizations – including Island Health, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and other community partners – to transform the way mental-health and wellness services are provided to the city’s youth. Foundry Victoria is phasing in additional services and expanding on current ones in the next couple of months to provide the full scope of Foundry services to meet the wellness needs of local youth.
“Foundry is about transforming access to care for young people,” said Dr. Steve Mathias, executive director of Foundry. “By bringing a variety of wellness services together in one place, we want to remove the stigma of seeking help and reach young people early on – before small problems become big ones.”
“By working together and building relationships, we can do so much more to advance the well-being of each young person we serve,” said Barbara Thompson, executive director of Victoria Youth Clinic, the lead agency of Foundry Victoria. “Taking a team approach enables us to better determine and meet the individual needs of each client that comes through our doors. Foundry’s integrated model is simply the most responsible way to support the wellness needs of our young people.”
In 2017-18, the Government of B.C. provided $200,000 to each regional health authority to support the establishment of five additional Foundry centres. Philanthropic donors provided the Victoria Youth Clinic with one-time funding of $200,000 for initial development costs. The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is contributing $3 million toward the centre over eight years, with Island Health providing $300,000 in annual funding to the Victoria Youth Clinic, as well as $380,000 annually for general practitioner sessions and $110,000 annually for specialty psychiatry sessions at the centre.
“We are so proud to be part of investing in this resource for our community, thanks to our generous donors,” said Veronica Carroll, CEO of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. “Through this collaboration with our community partners and sustainable funding, we can truly make a difference for youth in Victoria.”
“We know children and youth are struggling with mental-health and substance-use challenges, and by creating strong community partnerships, we will collectively strengthen the range of appropriate and accessible services and supports for young people,” said Cheryl Damstetter, chief of Community Health and Care for Island Health. “Island Health is pleased to be a partner in two Foundry locations on Vancouver Island: Victoria and Campbell River.”
Located at 818 Douglas St., Foundry Victoria’s interdisciplinary team of dedicated practitioners work collaboratively with youth to prepare the most well-rounded and appropriate plan and course of action, based on the unique needs and circumstances of each youth that comes in to the centre.
Foundry Victoria is one of six sites that are now open in the province, joining two locations in Vancouver (Granville and the North Shore), Kelowna, Campbell River and Prince George. An additional five centres are in development. Learn more about Foundry Victoria here.
Changing the status quo: B.C. agency pioneers one-stop-shop mental health care – CTV Vancouver story
Welcome to the new foundrybc.ca!
We’re delighted to launch the first phase of our new website! This phase focuses on mental health and substance use and integrates content from the youth mental health website, mindcheck.ca. For the next phase we will be developing more information and resources to reflect the variety of health and social service supports offered in Foundry centres. Please see the news release below for more information and help promote foundrybc.ca with these tools and resources.
Vancouver – B.C. youth aged 12 to 24 now have access to a new online resource designed to improve their mental health and well-being.
Foundrybc.ca, united with the provincial network of Foundry centres, provides a one-stop digital hub designed to simplify access to mental health care, substance use services, primary care and social services. The website features health information, personal stories, self-assessments, online resources and connections to services to help identify wellness challenges early on.
Today’s launch is the first phase of the site’s development, with an initial focus on mental health and substance use. To ensure easy access to online resources and tools, the content from the youth mental health website, mindcheck.ca, has also moved into foundrybc.ca. Further information and resources will be integrated over the next year to reflect the core service and resource offerings found within Foundry centres.
Foundrybc.ca, powered by BC Children’s Hospital, complements the Foundry provincial network of centres, which is supported by a team based at Providence Health Care. Foundry Centres are working to bridge gaps and remove barriers by bringing together a variety of wellness services and resources under one roof. Foundrybc.ca and the centres were created in partnership with young people and families in communities across B.C.
- The idea behind Foundry was formed when St. Paul’s Hospital began providing integrated care services for young people through the youth centre on Granville street in downtown Vancouver.
- Using an early intervention approach, Foundry centres act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for health and mental health care needs, enabling young people to open one door to get help with life’s big and small wellness challenges.
Quotes:
Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy –
“This new website is expanding the reach of the Foundry centres so that even more young British Columbians will be able to seek help and support quickly. No matter where they are in B.C., the site will help kids who are struggling to know they’re not alone and that help is available.”
Dr. Jana Davidson, psychiatrist-in-chief, BC Children’s Hospital –
“It can be difficult for young people and families to know where to turn in the face of a health or mental health challenge. Foundry’s online platform is an evidence-based and youth-informed resource, that will reduce stress or confusion commonly involved when trying to find the help they need.”
“Foundry is about transforming access to care and addressing wellness holistically. By offering welcoming spaces with a variety of wellness services, we want to remove the stigma that is sometimes associated with seeking help, and reach young people early on — before small problems become big ones.”
Learn More:
Penticton joins the Foundry network
Penticton is the next community in B.C.’s interior to join the Foundry network, thanks to provincial funding, and donations and support from the community. This investment will provide young people ages 12-24 with integrated health and social services.
The centre, to be known as Foundry Penticton, will offer easy access to core services including primary care, mental health and, substance use services, sexual health, youth and family peer support and navigation, housing, supported employment, income assistance and education supports. Access to integrated services will help improve the health and social outcomes of young people aged 12 to 24 years in the community.
One Sky Community Resources (formerly, Penticton & District Community Resources Society) will be the local agency that develops the centre with youth, families, government and community organizations. The centre is anticipated to be operational and accepting clients by fall 2018.
Read the full news release here.
Victoria joins the Foundry network
We are excited to announce Victoria has joined the Foundry network! Victoria will soon be home to a Foundry centre, providing young people with integrated health and social services including primary care, mental health services, substance use supports, social services and peer support.
Located at 818 Douglas Street, Foundry Victoria builds on the Victoria Youth Clinic’s long-standing history in providing health services to the region, and the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s support of a new facility to support youth mental health (which began construction in June). As a Foundry centre, this facility will now be a one-stop shop, expanding the services currently offered by the Victoria Youth Clinic, NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support, Island Health and other community partners to transform the way primary healthcare and mental health and substance use services are provided to the city’s youth.
The Victoria Youth Clinic team, which includes counseling support from the Ministry of Child and Family Development and Island Health’s Discovery Youth and Family Services, and NEED2 are now operating out of the new space. Island Health’s Early Psychosis Intervention teams will be moving in later this fall and further services and supports will be phased in as the centre develops to reflect the Foundry model.
Read the full news release here.
Foundry Prince George Celebrates Opening
Foundry North Shore opens its doors to youth
When Yvana Avram began experiencing suicidal thoughts in high school, she knew something was wrong. “It wasn’t normal, I was feeling really low and sad,” she says. Yvana went with her gut, sought help, and is now a peer support worker at Foundry North Shore, an integrated centre for young people age 12 to 24 that recently opened in North Vancouver. Foundry North Shore brings more than 15 existing programs and services under one roof so families and young people like Yvana can access primary care, mental health and social services.
“The opening of Foundry North Shore is a beacon of hope for our young people,” says Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “If we can address mental health and addiction issues earlier on in life, we can save lives. I know that bringing all these services under one roof will help young people get help when they need it, no matter what brings them through the door.”
“We want to empower young people to lead healthy lives by providing easy access to the tools, resources and skills they need to achieve wellness,” says Pamela Liversidge, Director of Policy and Partnerships at Foundry. “Foundry helps bridge gaps and remove barriers in systems by bringing services and service providers together under one roof, so young people and their families can access the support they need, when they need it—and not have to re-tell their story over and over.”
Foundry North Shore is comprised of a team of general practitioners, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, mental health and substance use clinicians, and youth and family peer-support and navigation workers. Income assistance, housing and employment services are also available on site at 211 West 1st Street in North Vancouver.
Later this year, young people with substance use issues will be able to access opioid agonist therapy (Suboxone). Other treatment and harm reduction services are also available at Foundry North Shore.
“The low-barrier nature of this centre means youth can drop in, have a chat and perhaps come back when they are more motivated,” says Dr. Jordan Cohen, a VCH psychiatrist working at Foundry. “Just walking in the door is a brave step.”
“By offering welcoming one-stop shops with a variety of wellness services, we want to remove the stigma of seeking help and reach young people early on – before small problems become big ones,” says Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director, Foundry.
“Youth in crisis don’t have time to make appointments and wait for referrals,” says Yvana. “I would encourage young people who feel like something is wrong to get help.” Trust yourself, she says; “Your life is worth it.”
Hosted by Providence Health Care, Foundry is supported by the Government of British Columbia, Graham Boeckh Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and St. Paul’s Foundation.
“Foundry North Shore is part of a growing provincial network of integrated youth service-centres,” says Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “By providing our young people with the wellness tools they need to thrive, we are making an important investment in our future.”
To see more photos of the centre and learn about the services offered visit their webpage here.
Foundry Stories Project
For young people who are navigating life’s large and small challenges — from colds to relationships, from anxiety to job hunting Foundry makes a difference by doing things differently. Created with and for young people, everyone is welcome at Foundry. We empower young people to lead healthy lives, forge new abilities, and shape their own vision for who they want to be. Whether online or offline, we make it easy for young people to find the tools, resources and skills they need for wellness.
As part of this, we believe in the power of stories to create connections, inspire hope, and encourage others to reach out for help.
We are looking for young people across BC who want to join us in sharing their story to show the many ways that young people can reach out for support, overcome challenges and work towards wellness in their lives.
If this is you, please contact us at Kaleigh.McLeod@cw.bc.ca for more information about how to get involved.
In addition to helping inspire young people across BC, you’ll have the chance to work with our incredible storytelling team, Peter Mothe and Connor McCracken, who will help capture and share your story in a way that works best for you.
Peter Mothe
Peter Mothe is a journalist, writer, and artist from Argentina who currently lives and works in Vancouver.
His past work has focused on a wide range of topics, including health, indigenous issues, marginalized communities, politics and sports, and has been published by VICE News, The Globe and Mail, CBC Indigenous and the Georgia Straight, among others.
Peter is excited to join the Foundry team as a writer. He hopes his storytelling will help reduce the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Ultimately, his goal is to tell stories that shed light on this often ignored issue and empower more young people to share their own mental health journeys.
To learn more about Peter and his work go to https://petermothe.com/
Connor McCracken
Connor McCracken is a photographer and design student studying at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC.
In 2016, Connor created a mental health project called Project Pilgrim. This project involved interviewing over 350 people from around the world about mental health and photographing them. This project reached its climax in May, 2016 when Connor hiked the 1000km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain where he interviewed and photographed pilgrims from around the world. To date, the project has reached over 1.3 million people.
Connor is excited to continue telling the stories of those who have and who are struggling with mental health issues.
To learn more about Connor and his work go to www.cmccracken.co or projectpilgrim.org.
Before deciding whether to share your story, here some things to think about.
Where will my story be shared?
- Foundry website
- Foundry social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Print (i.e. possibly a Foundry photobook)
Your health and well-being come first.
Sharing your story is an inspiring, courageous and powerful tool. It’s also meant to be a positive experience for you. Remember to put your health and well-being first throughout the process.
Check in with yourself to make sure you’re in a safe and comfortable space to share your story, especially if it’s your first time. Make sure you’re supported throughout. Sharing your story can be an emotional experience – having support helps make it a safe one too.
What could happen if I share my story?
- Your story may inspire someone to reach out for help that otherwise would not have.
- Your story may garner supportive comments and be shared widely.
- Your story may be accessible to people you may not want to see it.
- We can make the story anonymous by using a different name and/or by not showing your face in the photo.
- People may write unsupportive comments about your story on social media.
- While we hope that everyone will be respectful and supportive of these stories, the reality is that’s not always the case. We have a social media policy and procedures in place to ensure any unsupportive comments are responded to and/or deleted in a timely manner. If you wish to see our policy please just ask.
- If you change your mind at any point in the process, contact us and we will not post your story or will be happy to take it down if already posted.
Government announces investment in new network for youth mental health
Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director of Foundry and Co-Scientific Director, HYPE; Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary for Health; Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science; and Dr. Ian Manion Co-Scientific Director, HYPE.
Today, the federal government announced $4.8 million in funding for three new networks under the International Knowledge Translation Platforms initiative of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE). One of the project recipients, Healthy Young People Everywhere (HYPE) will address urgent treatment priorities and the need for improved knowledge sharing in youth mental health and addiction services in Canada and abroad.
Youth in Canada and around the world face unprecedented mental health and addiction challenges. Up to one in five young Canadians is estimated to have a diagnosable mental illness, yet services and care tend to be fragmented and under-resourced. HYPE will address urgent priorities in youth mental health and addiction service delivery and international knowledge sharing by identifying research gaps and facilitating the sharing of evidence. Integrated Stepped Care Models, which ensure access to monitored, coordinated care and treatment matched to needs, are emerging as the preferred evidence-based and cost-effective way to treat YMHA disorders.
The project is co-led by Foundry’s executive director, Dr. Steve Mathias and Dr. Ian Manion of Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, and includes over 100 partner individuals and organizations across Canada and in nine other countries. Their work engages youth and their families and generates the scientific framework to ensure evidence is integrated into practice and policy.
“The health of our young people, including their mental health, is critical to ensuring a strong and healthy Canada today and in the future. Through our support for the Healthy Young People Everywhere (HYPE) network, the Government of Canada is helping health care providers improve mental health care, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Canadians.”
– The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health
Project recipients also include the International Collaboration for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health in Corrections (I-CEIsMIC), and the Supply Chain Advancement Network in Health (SCAN Health). Recipients will each receive $1.6 million in funding over the next four years. Read the full news release here.
“Our current systems of youth mental health care are not sustainable. Governments, service providers, researchers and advocates are just some of those who are hungry for evidence to guide their efforts to build systems that better meet the holistic needs of youth. They also need support in the implementation and sustainability of such efforts. The HYPE Network represents an important bridge between research policy and practice. There has never been a better time for such global collaboration and action.”
– Ian Manion and Steve Mathias, Co-Scientific Directors, Co-Scientific Directors, HYPE