Foundry

New provincially available virtual youth group! Are you someone who is feeling down or low, and finding it hard to improve your mood? Are you noticing your anxiety increasing or struggling to manage your stress? Join our new group, Mind Me! Mind Me aims to support youth ages 14-17 who are dealing with low mood, or a low-to-moderate level of anxiety. Participants get to learn more about anxiety and depression, while understanding the impact of emotions and thoughts on our well-being. For more info about this group and to register, visit buff.ly/3jL2Yq9

April 14 is a painful and meaningful milestone: the five year anniversary since British Columbia declared a public health emergency because of a rise in drug poisonings from a tainted drug supple. Help us end the overdose crisis. Learn how you can take action through our friends at Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. They have resources through their #GettingToTomorrow Initiative (see more below).

Today is National Pet Day - a day to recognize the positive impact our animal friends have on our lives. Having a connection to an animal can be a great, positive experience. You’ve probably heard of therapy animals, but any sort of pet can help you regardless of if they’re an official therapy animal or not. Read the link below for some ways pets can be good for your health. Link: https://buff.ly/2zK6CvC . . .... #pets #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #therapyanimal #emotionalsupport #foundrybc See more

Today is World Health Day, and this year's theme is bring people together to build a more accessible, equitable and healthier world by calling for action action to eliminate health inequities. At Foundry, we hope to provide equal opportunities for young people age 12-24 to find care and support that works for them. To find more information on health and our services, see the link here: https://buff.ly/2Esfjve

As an autistic woman in her twenties, Keara is learning to accept herself. Now, she wants to help others do the same. You can read her story at the link in our bio. . April 2 is Autism Awareness Day - an opportunity to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world. To find information on Autism Services in BC, you can call Autism Information Services BC at 1-844-878-4700 or email [email protected]. Hashtags: #autism #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #foundrybc Link:

*REMINDER* Do you want to learn more about Foundry? Have questions about Foundry's virtual services? Join our Q&A session on February 16 from 7-8PM (via zoom). Learn more and register through the link below! Link: https://buff.ly/38W5Nj4

As of February 5, 2021, the new temporary restrictions put in place on November 23, 2020 have been extended and extended indefinitely. These restrictions apply to all communities in BC. The new orders focus on social gatherings, non-essential travel within BC and across Canada, physical activities and wearing masks indoors and in public spaces. For more information and details around the new restrictions, see the link in our bio. #covid19 #coronavirus #covid #foundrybc #health #healthy #covid_19 #covidkindness

NEW GROUP! Did you know we are now offering a new virtual group between @unyayouth 's 2- Spirit Collective (Urban Native Youth Association) and FoundryBC. This group is for any and all identifying LGBTQ2A+ youth ages 12-24 residing in BC, who are looking to connect virtually with others in a safe, online, environment. For more information and registration, please visit https://surveys.vch.ca/Survey.aspx

Are you a young person (27 and under) in British Columbia with lived or living experience with substance use? We have a paid opportunity for you to be part of a research project focused on addressing the gaps and challenges with substance use services for young people and their loved ones. Deadline to apply is December 31, 2020! To learn more and apply, visit https://buff.ly/3ajcK0w Disclaimer: people who like, follow, or share this post may be personally identified with it.

Do you want to learn more about Foundry? Have questions about Foundry's virtual services? Join our Q&A session on February 16 from 7-8PM (via zoom). Learn more and register through the link below! Link: https://buff.ly/3jL2Yq9 #virtualcare #foundrybc #mentalhealth #mentalillness #support #youthsupport #youthmentalhealth #caregiversupport #takecareofyou

We’re excited to be partnering with @FHC_WNT to create content for https://buff.ly/2Y8zji9! Learn how COVID-19 has affected the team, how they’re overcoming the pandemic blues and read other great content from the team through the link below! https://buff.ly/2W4FmlD #Foundry #Foundrybc #CanWolfPack #fieldhockey #teamcanada #COVID19

UPDATE: We’ve changed our format to 1:1 interviews! Looking for peer support workers who work with youth to take part in the Experience Project! Your experience will help us understand how to better support peer support workers. For more information email Roxanne at [email protected] or call/text 807-356-1188. Disclaimer: people who like, follow, or share this post may be personally identified with it.

Foundry’s response to the Report In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care. This report clearly and sadly shows Indigenous-specific racism exists across BC’s healthcare system. Foundry acknowledges the truths contained in this report and stands against racism. We must ensure that everyone, including First Nations people, have equal access to health care in BC. We are committed to learning from this report, and to working alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, youth and families to ensure we are moving in the best direction to support Indigenous cultural safety and humility. View our full response: https://buff.ly/3r2Oe9J

Are you between the ages of 16-24 and living in Canada? We need your help to build a new function survey designed by young people, for young people. Fill out our survey (link below) and get a chance to win a $100 gift card. See more information here: https://buff.ly/3qz4oXt Got questions? Contact Skye Barbic (study lead) via email at [email protected]... DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that if you like, share, or comment on this post, people may assume that you are involved in the study in some way.

Attention all Virtual Queer Cafe attendees! Our facilitators will be taking a holiday self-care break for the next while, and look forward to welcoming both new and old faces in the new year! If you are looking for support during this time, Foundry Virtual continues to offer Peer Support sessions, where you can speak with one of our awesome team members. Learn more at buff.ly/3gH53Sl

Foundry Virtual is here to support you and your loved ones through the holidays! Access free and confidential counselling and peer support Monday-Friday from 1:15-9PM(with the exception of 7pm close on Dec. 24 and closed on Dec. 25th, Dec. 28th, and Jan. 1st). You don't have to navigate the holidays alone. Call 1-833-FØUNDRY (308-6379) or visit foundrybc.ca/virtual to book an appointment! #foundrybc #mentalhealth

Are you a parent or caregiver of a youth struggling with their mental health? As we are approaching the holidays, we know that this time can be challenging for various reasons. Foundry Virtual's Family Peer Support Workers have put together an article sharing 7 ways they navigate their own mental health and well being, while supporting their loved ones. To read the article, please click the link below. #holidayselfcare #holidays #supportingyouth #supportinglovedones #selfcare #foundry #foundryvirtual #mentalhealth #mentalillness #support #holidaytips #manageyourmentalhealth

We are hoping to hear from boys and young men about their experiences with digital mental health supports and services (e.g. websites, apps, virtual services). If this is you and you are between the ages of 12 and 24 and live BC, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us now: https://buff.ly/2Whl9JN! -- [Image Description: A recruitment poster for a mental health study. The background is a light multi-coloured pastel. The bold blue text at the top reads Are you a boy or young... male ages 12-24 living in BC? A light blue coloured box appears under the bold blue text and features three bullet points with black text. The black text of the first bullet point reads Have you accessed digital technology to help with your mental health in the last 12 months? The black text of the second bullet point reads Come and be part of the Digital Divide Study, a study about understanding young people’s experiences with mental health digital technologies. The black text of the third and final bullet point reads Diverse experiences are greatly welcomed and valued. Under that, blue text reads All participants will receive a $30 honorarium! Under the blue text is a land acknowledgement that reads The study team acknowledges that they are uninvited guests working on the unceded lands across what is currently British Columbia, and recognize that they are on the stolen lands of various, strong Indigenous Nations. A disclaimer in black text appears at the very bottom of the poster and it reads Disclaimer: Please be aware that if you like, share, or comment on this post, people may assume that you are involved in the study in some way. Four graphics appear on either side of the poster. The top left graphic is of a laptop with an image of people of all different races, religions and genders on the screen. The top right graphic is of a white smartphone with six different coloured applications. The bottom left graphic is of a young male using his phone.The male is wearing a shirt with a trans BIPOC-inclusive pride flag. The bottom right graphic is of a black boy wearing headphone and listening to something on his laptop. The top of the poster in each corner feature the University of British Columbia’s logo and Foundry BC’s logo.] See more

Paige and Sierra, two of our Peer Support Workers will be presenting at the Let's Talk event organized by The Youth Mental Health Association (YMHA) @ymhassociation. The discussion will be around how COVID-19 has impacted mental health support and services for youth. Join us on November 20th from 12:30pm to 2:00pm PST! Find more event details here here:

Foundry is looking for 2 young people (12-24) to work alongside our evaluation team! Two Youth Evaluators for our Health Canada 2 Project. The expected time commitment is 10h/week from December 1, 2020 until the end in March 2021 with the possibility of extension - https://buff.ly/38JLYxs. Apply Now or Share these opportunities that might interest people you know!... #foundrybc #jobs See more

The holidays can be overwhelming for those with and without mental health challenges. In particular, with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, things may look quite different this year. The Peer Support Workers on Foundry Virtual's team put together an article highlighting 10-ways you can navigate the holidays, with hopes that you can take away some helpful tips to manage any stressors or difficult emotions. To read the article, please click the link below. Link: https://foundrybc.ca/stor/10-tips-to-navigate-the-holidays/ #holidayselfcare #holidays #youthmentalhealth #selfcare #foundry #foundryvirtual #mentalhealth #mentalillness #support #holidaytips #manageyourmentalhealth #overwhelm #holidaystress

We wish a happy Diwali to all those who celebrate it!

On November 19, Dr. Steve Mathias, psychiatrist and Foundry's Executive Director will join us for our Substance Use Webinar Series. he will discuss addiction psychiatry and the opioid crisis in BC. Learn more and register at foundrybc.ca/virtual/youth-groups.

As of December 7, 2020 at midnight, the new temporary restrictions put in place on November 23, 2020 have been extended and expanded until January 8, 2021 at midnight. These restrictions apply to all communities in BC. The new orders focus on social gatherings, non-essential travel within BC and across Canada, physical activities and wearing masks indoors and in public spaces. For more information and details around the new restrictions, see the link here: https://buff.ly/2xQaAnX #covid19 #coronavirus #covid #foundrybc #health #healthy #covid_19 #covidkindness

Foundry Virtual and the Urban Native Youth Association's 2-Spirit Collective are launching a virtual drop-in for Indigenous young people (ages 15-24) anywhere in BC who identify as Two-Spirit or LGBTQIA+! The drop-in will be held over Zoom on the last Tuesday of every month from 6-7 pm. Learn more and register through the link below! Link: foundrybc.ca/virtual/youth-groups