A South Island advocacy group, the Village Initiative, is calling for greater municipal participation in a program aimed at improving the health and well-being of youth in Sooke and the West Shore.
The Village Initiative is a network of over 60 community service organizations, including the Sooke School District, Island Health, and United Way South Vancouver Island. United by the philosophy of B次元官网网址渋t takes a village to raise a child,B次元官网网址� the group presented a comprehensive five-year plan to Sooke council to address the needs of local youth.
Their initiatives focus on improved transit accessibility, creating safe environments for youth development, and implementing programs and services tailored to their specific needs.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e aware there are serious youth issues in our community,B次元官网网址� said Scott Bradford, co-director of the Village Initiative.
Recent data paints a concerning picture of youth mental health. The latest B.C. Adolescent Health Survey, conducted by the McCreary Centre Society every five years for the past three decades, found a significant rise in self-harm among youth. The 2023 survey reported that 24 per cent of youth had self-harmed, compared to 16 per cent in 2018 and 15 per cent in 2013. The survey also found increases in eating disorders and experiences of sexual abuse.
The Village Initiative hosted a two-day workshop in February with students and community leaders to discuss the survey results.
B次元官网网址淭he workshop aimed to develop a regional strategy through collaboration,B次元官网网址� said Cindy Andrew, co-director of the Village Initiative. B次元官网网址淲e want to eliminate service gaps and ensure programs meet the needs of our youth.B次元官网网址�
In Sooke, the group identified a lack of available space, service coordination challenges, and limitations in service provider capacity.
B次元官网网址淪ervice providers are willing to expand services to Sooke, but finding affordable and appropriate space is a barrier,B次元官网网址� said Andrew.
Sooke councillor Tony St-Pierre inquired about ways local government can support the Village Initiative. Andrew suggested appointing a council representative to the Village board, including youth voices in municipal planning, and allocating staff to collaborate on ongoing initiatives.
B次元官网网址淭his is timely work,B次元官网网址� said councillor Dana Lajeunesse. B次元官网网址淐ollaboration is key to finding solutions.B次元官网网址�
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