Youth, families and community step up for Foundry Surrey – help make the vision a reality this fall
Despite having the largest youth population in the province, Surrey has lacked a purpose-built space where young people and their families can find help with free mental and primary care, substance use services and more, all in one easy-to-access location.
That’s about to change as the team at Foundry Surrey work to open their doors this fall.
A collaboration between Pacific Community Resources Society and Foundry BC, Foundry Surrey is part of an established, province-wide resource network, designed for young people ages 12 to 24 and their families. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where youth and their families can access free, confidential care across five core services:
● Mental health care
● Substance use services
● Physical and sexual health care
● Social services, including: employment, housing, newcomer services and more
● Youth and family peer support
Both virtual and in-person care are available without a referral, further reducing the barriers for assistance. And, as an inclusive space, the needs of Surrey’s diverse population are also represented.
“When I was growing up, mental health wasn’t something that was talked about in the South Asian community. It was a struggle with my family when I was going through my own mental health concerns because they didn’t understand what I was going through,” says Debora Anthonypillai, Foundry Surrey. “They were trying as hard as they could, but there was no place for them to learn either, or if there was a place, they couldn’t find it.”
Years in the making, the community has been the key to Foundry Surrey’s success, with 50 community partners informing the project along the way, including youth, families, service providers and others who’ve guided everything from Foundry Surrey’s location to the look and feel of the space, Anthonypillai notes.
“This is a community initiative, made by the community and it will continue to be after we open our doors,” she says.
Help build a healthier future for Surrey youth
Foundry Surrey is set to become the largest Foundry centre in B.C., spanning 18,000 square feet.
To date, Foundry Surrey has successfully raised approximately 86 per cent of the funds needed for the capital build, thanks to generous grants, individual donors and dedicated community partners. These contributions are helping bring to life essential spaces, including counselling rooms, group areas, medical exam rooms, a cultural space and more.
Deeply grateful for the ongoing support from funding partners such as the Province of British Columbia and Foundry BC, now Foundry Surrey is turning to the community to help them reach the finish line. With financial contributions large or small, individuals, businesses and organizations will help create a space where young people can access the support they need, close to home.
“The incredible community of Surrey really has rallied around us and the vital care our youth and families need. While more work remains to be done, we’re so excited to welcome Surrey’s young people to this space – their space,” Anthonypillai says.
Join Foundry Surrey in building a healthier future for youth in Surrey. Donate today securely online via CanadaHelps.org and be part of something transformative.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming fundraisers and the grand opening – visit pcrs.ca/our-youth-
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