Foundry Victoria is on the Move!
Victoria, BC - The Victoria Youth Clinic Society, operator and lead agency of Foundry Victoria, announced today that Foundry Victoria is moving to a new home for youth wellness at 546 Yates Street in downtown Victoria. The society has launched a fund-raising campaign to help with the costs of renovating the new space to better meet the needs of Greater Victoria youth.
“Every young person in British Columbia deserves health-care services that meets their unique needs, including access to primary care, mental-health and addictions support,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Foundry Victoria’s new and expanded space will make it easier for more young people and their families to get the integrated services they need, right in their community.”
The move is planned for early fall, 2023. The new Foundry Victoria location will be almost double in size of the current location at 818 Douglas Street, where the clinic has operated from since 2017. “We are thrilled that we will be able to continue to serve the urgent medical and mental health care needs of Victoria youth in a youth friendly, trauma-informed space”, said Ricki Justice, Executive Director of Foundry Victoria. “The Government of BC, local Foundations and donors have all come forward to assist with the costs of the renovations, but we still have a funding gap of $250,000. We are hoping that through the generosity of community members we will meet our fundraising goal” said Heather Brazier, Board Chair of Foundry Victoria.
The demand for primary care, mental health and substance use services for youth in the city continues to grow: In the past year, Foundry Victoria saw a 17% increase in clients served - 450 new youth accessed services at Foundry Victoria in the past year in addition to the 2,500 youth and their families already using Foundry services. Over 1000 youth accessed our services this past year, and these youth and their families accessed over 10,000 services. Mental Health services made up 31% of services administered, followed by physical health services (20%), substance use (19%), sexual health services (9%), walk-in counselling and social services by 6% each and youth peer support by 3%. 100% of Foundry Victoria’s clients said they felt safe, and 96% said the services offered met their needs. 100% percent of youth surveyed said they would suggest Foundry Victoria to a friend.
“We know that nearly 75% of mental health challenges begin by the age of 24, and 80% of problematic substance use begins by the age of 20. The health and well-being of our young people ultimately decides the well-being of our society. It is imperative, now more than ever, to invest in increasing the quality and quantity of youth-centred wellness spaces around B.C., so young people know that they always have an accessible and safe space to turn to if they need mental health and substance use supports.” - Karen Tee, Associate Executive Director, Foundry BC.
“Needing more space is a good problem to have. We have recently gained access to funds to hire more physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, counsellors and peer support workers, but we currently have nowhere to put them. A new space for Foundry Victoria will be a game changer”, added Ricki Justice, Executive Director of Foundry Victoria.
For more information, or to make a donation visit: Victoria Youth Clinic
About Foundry Victoria:
The Victoria Youth Clinic (VYC) started in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization that provided integrated and comprehensive primary health care services for youth aged 12 to 24 years. In the fall of 2017, the Victoria Youth Clinic became the lead agency for Foundry Victoria. This connected us to Foundry BC, a province-wide network of youth-focused healthcare providers and over 200 partners across the province including government and community organizations.
Foundry Victoria's integrated healthcare teams work collaboratively to provide services at the forefront of the community's needs: mental health counselling, peer support, treatment for substance use disorders, physical & sexual healthcare including gender affirming care, and social services (including practical supports). This includes same-day counselling sessions, art therapy, vaccinations/ STI testing, and referrals to specialists. Foundry Victoria also links youth to a variety of on-site and off-site social services including job training, housing supports, and alternative education. Services are free and confidential.
Media enquiries:
Sandra Hudson, sandra@sandrahudsoncomm.com
250-216-1380
