Mental Health Youth Mental Health

Foundry centre for youth opens in Williams Lake

Foundry B.C.

Young people in the Cariboo Chilcotin region can access more mental-health and substance-use services with the opening of a Foundry centre in Williams Lake.

Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin provides young people aged 12-24 and their families free and confidential age-friendly services to fit their unique needs, such as mental-health and substance-use counselling, medical services, peer support and social services.

Foundry model originated at St. Paul’s Hospital

Foundry began in St. Paul’s Hospital in 2015 and has grown into a network of care for young people across the province. There are now 14 such clinics in BC. More are in development. Nine more centres are in development.

Foundry originated out of St. Paul’s Hospital in 2015 and the model has expanded province-wide.

Young people face “immense pressures”

“Young people have been dealing with immense pressures and health challenges made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, the toxic drug crisis and climate emergencies,” says Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin will be a beacon for young people in Williams Lake and surrounding communities, supporting youth with access to the help they need, when they need it.”

“The opening of Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin is part of our ongoing commitment in ensuring young people and families across BC continue receiving accessible supports closer to home,” says Steve Mathias, executive director, Foundry. “The Cariboo Chilcotin communities have worked in partnership with the young people of the region to create a vision for an amazing centre. From the mural outside to the gathering spaces inside, the centre is welcoming and friendly. We express our gratitude to everyone who contributed countless hours on this beautiful space.”

Foundry services can also be accessed from anywhere in the province through the Foundry BC app, by phone or at: foundrybc.ca/virtual