New Foundry BC centre to offer more support services for Surrey youth

Youth in South Surrey will have access to more support services in the community thanks to the recent announcement of a new Foundry BC centre opening in the area.

Foundry BC is a non-profit organization that provides social supports and resources to 12-24 year olds facing challenges with mental health, substance use, social instability and more.

The South Surrey location will be the second Foundry centre in Surrey and will follow the opening of an 18,000-square foot facility in North Surrey, slated to open later this year at 10280 City Parkway.

The location and opening date of the South Surrey location are yet to be determined, but it will offer the same services as other Foundry sites.

“This is extremely needed,” said Safe Schools acting assistant manager Dakota Grange. “We have youth that will directly benefit from these sites and to have two physical Foundry locations at either end of the city will go a long way in creating new opportunities for support and recovery.”

While youth can currently access Foundry supports online and by phone, the centres in North and South Surrey will provide a physical access point for support, which can be make all the difference when it comes to taking those first steps in seeking help.

“Being able to go somewhere in-person removes barriers and youth can walk in and talk to somebody in a safe space,” said Grange. “They’ll also have access to many key services in-house and on-site, so they don’t need to wait for a doctor or counsellor referral, they can just get the help they need as quickly as possible.”

Another aspect that makes Foundry unique is that it serves young adults up to age 24.

“Having that support beyond Grade 12 can be crucial,” said Grange. “If a youth is struggling with some sort of issue, that doesn’t suddenly end when they turn 18 and leave the school system, so having that bridge into adulthood is so important.”

To learn more about Foundry BC and its services, click here.  To explore Foundry’s online and phone supports, click here.