10 Years. 10 Stories. 10 Voices.
In 2015, Foundry was created to transform how young people aged 12-24 in British Columbia access free mental health, substance use health, physical and sexual health, peer support, and work, education and community services. We started as a proof of concept model, and now have 19 centres open, 16 more in development and a provincial virtual service available anywhere in BC.
To mark ten remarkable years of Foundry, we’re sharing stories from the young people and caregivers who Foundry has helped, and the health professionals involved in bringing it to life.
Gabriella's Story
Through Foundry’s drop-in counselling, Gabriella found the support she needed to rebuild her confidence, regain balance, and strengthen her mental health. Her story highlights the power of accessible youth counselling — and how asking for help can be a turning point toward resilience, growth, and empowerment. Foundry’s services are free, inclusive, and available to every young person in BC — no matter their background or story.
Foundry’s services are free, inclusive, and available to every young person in BC — no matter their background, culture, or story.
To access free youth wellness and inclusive services, visit our website. To learn more about youth services, visit this page.
Foundry Timeline
In 2015, Foundry started as an idea from a small group of caring staff and doctors. It has evolved into a province-wide network, and a national model for Integrated Youth Services. Learn more about our journey.
A New Way to Support Young People
At St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, a small group of caring staff and doctors saw how many young people were struggling, and how hard it was to find them help when they needed it most. They knew things had to change. So they came together to create something different: the Inner City Youth Program, a place where young people were supported and understood, both before and after a crisis.