Young people in Squamish and surrounding areas can access much-needed mental-health and substance-use supports as Foundry Sea to Sky begins providing services.
Foundry Sea to Sky offers young people between 12 and 24 and their families free, confidential, age-friendly and supportive mental-health and substance-use services, as well as social and recreational programs to fit their unique needs.
Operated by Sea to Sky Community Services Society, Foundry Sea to Sky will provide interim services at their own and throughout partner locations in Squamish as construction for the centre’s permanent site continues. Jaye Russell, executive director, Sea to Sky Community Services Society, said we know that youth in the Sea to Sky area experience mental-health concerns at rates above the provincial average.
“We also know that of those who reported concerns, almost half indicated they didn’t know where to go for help. It is critical to connect youth to services in our community as quickly as possible, while we await Foundry’s permanent home on Buckley Avenue. Local youth need these resources more than ever and I am so grateful to our staff, partners and funders for bringing Foundry services to the Sea to Sky corridor.”
“Young people have been dealing with immense pressures and health challenges, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the toxic drug crisis and climate emergencies,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Foundry Sea to Sky will help many young people get the supports they need right in their own community.”
“We recognize the growing need to reach young people and those who care for them across B.C. We are grateful to the Sea to Sky community for launching interim Foundry services so youth can find help now,” said Karen Tee, associate executive director, Foundry. “These interim services will also enable the many partners involved in Foundry Sea to Sky to start working together earlier for a smooth transition into their permanent space.”
