YAP About YAC: Meet Emily and the Youth Helping Shape Foundry on the Westside

For our first edition, meet Emily, a 16-year-old YAC member who is also part of the council's social media team. We asked Emily to introduce us to YAC, why she joined and what has been happening so far.

First things first: What exactly is YAC?

The Youth Advisory Council (or YAC for short) is a group of youth ages 12-24 who volunteer their time to help plan and inform the design and sustainability of the Foundry coming to the Westside.

The council started at the end of June 2026 to assist with the development of Foundry, and we are so excited to share it! We come together to talk about Foundry, help raise awareness for youth mental health services and make sure our community has support.

The council is split into different roles, including the design team, engagement crew, social media team and blogger (me!).

Our goal is to make sure Foundry on the Westside becomes a place where all youth feel safe and able to access support.

Why did you want to be part of it?

I joined YAC because I wanted to see more resources available on the Westside. Foundry is such an important service, but travel makes it hard for youth on the Westside to get the care they need all the way in Kelowna.

Personally, I have a lot of friends who need help but don't know how to access it, whether it's too far away or they just don't know how to start that process.

Having a Foundry here on the Westside would be the push I think they need to get help, especially because Foundry can connect more with schools on the Westside to make sure youth know where to go when they need it.

We've been seeing YAC on social media. What's that all about?

I also help out with the social media team! If you haven't already, check out @cmhakelowna and @foundrykelowna on Instagram and Facebook to see our new takeover series, YAP About YAC!

It's so fun to film, and we really love showing younger audiences what Foundry is all about. Go check out the videos, coming out every other week!

What's happening with Foundry on the Westside right now?

If you didn't know, a location has been secured on the Westside and demolition has happened, meaning we are getting ready to start designing the actual space.

YAC has also joined Foundry and CMHA staff at events like Canada Day and Westside Daze to gather feedback so that the whole community has the chance to have their voice heard.

We look forward to hearing even more feedback from the youth, caregivers and families who will be using this space.

So, what can we expect from YAP About YAC next?

Each month, we'll share:

-           YAC updates

-           Westside development updates

-           Awareness and information to help make sure youth and families get the support they need

Check back next month for more!

— Emily, Youth Advisory Council Member

How to Support the Campaign to Bring a Foundry site to the Westside

The Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign is about bringing Foundry services closer to young people and families in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland.

Your support can help ensure more youth have access to mental health care, substance use services, peer support, family support, and wellness resources when they need them most.

Donate here

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