Youth Leading the Way: A Conversation with Abi Hudson

Having grown up in a family affected by mental health challenges while going through her own, Abi understands the importance of creating spaces where young people feel safe to talk, seek support and know they are not alone.

The MBSS Walk for Mental Health is a community-centered event to raise awareness for youth mental health. In the first three years, the Walk raised a total of $35,652 for mental health services for youth aged 12-24 at Foundry Kelowna. This year (2026), it raised additional $17,607 in support of the new Foundry centre coming to the Westside. The event, open to the whole community, consists of a walk through West Kelowna, followed by more events and activities at the MBSS auditorium and field.

We sat down with Abi as she reflects on why the Walk matters and what she hopes it leaves behind.

Why did the Walk for Mental Health become important to you?

Mental health has always been part of my life. Growing up, my family learned to navigate the challenges of living with someone experiencing severe PTSD, and I have also lived with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Those experiences showed me that you never truly know what someone else is going through. That is why the Walk for Mental Health is so meaningful to me. It creates opportunities to talk openly about mental health and helps break the stigma that still prevents many people from asking for help.

What impact do you think the walk has on young people?

The walk reminds young people that they are not alone. It creates a space where mental health conversations are welcomed, support is visible and people know help is available.

More importantly, it helps build a sense of connection. When young people see others showing up for the same cause, they realize many people face similar struggles and that their community is there to support them.

Why do open conversations about mental health matter?

We can't break the stigma if we don't talk about it.

To me, the first step in reducing stigma is making mental health a normal conversation. The more openly we speak about it, the easier it becomes for people to seek help without fear or shame.

How has leading this year's walk shaped you?

Being part of the walk has been incredibly rewarding. Because mental health has always been important to my family, contributing to something that is creating positive change has been a privilege.

The experience has made me more compassionate and empathetic. It has reinforced that everyone is carrying something we may not see — and that nobody should have to carry it alone.

What moment from this year's walk will stay with you?

There were so many memorable moments, but one that stood out was bringing the Walk for Mental Health together with the Red Dress Day (MMIWG2S+) gathering.

Seeing those two important causes come together was incredibly meaningful. Both are rooted in community, awareness and supporting people whose voices deserve to be heard.

Why does supporting the new Foundry site coming to the Westside matter to you?

When I was younger, I did not always know where to turn for support. I often kept my struggles to myself because I thought they were not as important as what others in my family were experiencing.

Looking back, I wish there had been an accessible place like a Foundry on the Westside. Knowing that this year's walk is helping bring those services closer to home is incredibly meaningful. If it means another young person knows where to go instead of feeling like they have to struggle in silence, then every step we took was worth it.

How You Can Support the Campaign

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