Funding announced for new Foundry youth centre in North Okanagan – Okanagan | 24CA News
The North Okanagan has acquired funding for a new centre aimed toward serving to youth within the area.
On Friday, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions introduced that the province is spending $74.9 million to open 12 extra Foundry facilities throughout B.C.
The first two communities to obtain the brand new facilities — aimed toward younger folks between 12 and 24 years of age — might be Vernon and Powell River. The remaining 10 communities might be determined later this yr.
“Every young person in British Columbia deserves health-care services that meet their unique needs, including access to primary care and mental-health support, no matter where they live,” stated psychological well being minister Jennifer Whiteside.
“A new Foundry Centre in Vernon will be a beacon for young people providing a safe and judgment-free space to find mental-health, wellness and addiction supports close to home.”
Foundry Vernon might be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch. There are 16 different Foundry centres in B.C., together with ones in Kelowna and Penticton, whereas one other seven Foundry centres are in growth.
“It brings me enormous joy to see the strides Foundry is continuing to make in realizing its vision of making safe and accessible wellness spaces a living reality for young people in every part of the province, including rural and remote communities,” stated Toni Carlton, Foundry’s provincial director for Community, Culture and Connection.
“The opening of a Foundry centre in Vernon is a momentous occasion,” Carlton stated, “worthy of celebration for the community of Vernon and is a step in the right direction towards prioritizing the health and wellness needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
According to the ministry, B.C. will present annual funding, plus a one-time fund of $1.5 million to ascertain the centre in Vernon.
“It’s necessary for young people to access mental-health and wellness services where and when they need them,” stated Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development.
“With this new Foundry centre coming to Vernon, youth and families will now have a one-stop service nearby that they can count on, enabling them to meet their goals because of these essential supports.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
