Foundry, British Columbia’s Integrated Youth Services initiative, is transforming how young people access health and social services throughout the province.
The project began in 2015 under the leadership of Dr. Steve Mathias. GBF worked closely with Dr. Mathias and the province along with other philanthropic organizations to co-develop and co-fund the project. Initially, six Foundry centres across the five health regions of the province were developed. Now, the branded network has scaled to over 22 communities across British Columbia.
The Foundry model features service hubs that co-locate and integrate a variety of services for youth aged 12 to 25 (including mental health, primary care, addictions, employment and peer support, with links to education, housing and other social services) in an easily accessible, culturally-appropriate and youth-friendly location. In addition to the establishment of physical centres, Foundry has launched a province-wide virtual platform available to young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers.