(Image credit: Foundry).

By Aaron Schulze

Foundry Cariboo

Youth mental health and substance use centre opens in Williams Lake

Dec 5, 2022 | 8:43 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Young people in the Cariboo Chilcotin region now have access to mental health and substance use supports.

In a news release issued Monday (Dec. 5) morning, the B.C. government announced the new Foundry Centre in Williams Lake is now open. The province says Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin will offer young people aged 12 to 24 and their families a variety of services around mental health and substance-use challenges.

“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,” Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says. “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.”

Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin is the 14^th Foundry centre to open in B.C. and is operated by Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre and multiple partner organizations. It’s located at 51 Fourth Ave. S. in Williams Lake.

Vanessa Riplinger, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre executive director, says the Cariboo Chilcotin has an ongoing need for youth wellness as it’s an isolated region.

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“Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin brings a new model of care to Williams Lake that is built on community collaboration, relationships, youth empowerment and ease of access to essential health and wellness services,” Riplinger says.

There are 14 Foundry centres open throughout B.C., including Prince George. Nine Foundry Centres are set to open in Burns Lake, Fort St. John and Kamloops.