Dear Editor:
Re: Location of Youth Centre Next to Pub Questioned, Feb. 19 Mailbox.
Brian Reidlinger’s letter to the editor on the new Foundry North Shore facility proves there is more work to do in stopping stigma for mental health in this province.
Foundry’s one-stop shop wellness centre for children, youth and families in Lower Lonsdale is exactly what the North Shore needs to help people navigate the mental health system.
Foundry North Shore is one of five sites announced in June 2016 as part of a provincial network of easily accessible youth service centres. These centres provide primary care and sexual health services, mental health and substance use support, youth and family peer support, youth outreach support, social work services for youth transitioning from government care, occupational, group and individual therapy, income assistance and housing, resources for youth with developmental disabilities, and rehabilitation programs such as group recreational activities, independent living skills and food preparation.
The focus needs to be on the wellness aspect and the fact that this is a multi-service site providing a full range of support services to youth and families on the North Shore. It is not simply a drug and alcohol counselling centre.
The site was chosen for several reasons; storefront which is very difficult to find, proximity to where youth congregate, proximity to other youth services such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Hollyburn Family Services (within one block), proximity to John Braithwaite Community Centre (half a block away) and for its proximity to a transit hub.
Youth and family reps were engaged in the planning process for this site including having them visit the location and provide their feedback.
At no time did the issue of a private liquor store get raised as a concern. This particular area of North Vancouver has multiple liquor outlets and medical marijuana stores. This is the societal reality our youth live within.
Hopefully this does not reinforce the stigma that discourages youth from accessing the right supports when they need them.
Jane Thornthwaite, MLA North Vancouver-Seymour
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