Young people in western NL now have better local access to services for mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and community support. Becket Western NL, a new Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub, has officially opened.

Jen Crowe is the Executive Director with Choices for Youth, based in St. John’s. She says for the past ten years, they’ve been working with partners like community organizations and NL Health Services to find a solution for people aged 12-29 that didn’t involve travel to the capital city.

Young people in western NL now have better local access to services for mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and community support. Becket Western NL, a  new Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub, has officially opened at Vine Place Community Centre in Corner Brook. Jen Crowe is the Executive Director with Choices for Youth, based in St. John’s. She says for the past ten years, they’ve been working with partners like community organizations and NL Health Services to find a solution for people aged 12-29 that didn’t involve travel to the capital city. Crowe says at their Becket Centre in St. John’s about 30 percent of the youth they help are from outside of St.John’s.

Corner Brook is the second Becket site and Crowe says the goal is to have nine across the province. Meanwhile, Mike Kearley is the Executive Director at Vine Place. He says these services are needed here and will be a game changer for young people on the west coast.

Humber-Gros Morne MHA Mike Goosney says making sure that people have timely access to mental health and addictions services,  and supporting the health and well being of young people are key.

Corner Brook Mayor Linda Chaisson greeted those at yesterday’s opening, saying it has taken 20 years to get the centre here.

For more information: www. gotobecket.ca   or call the main line 709 634 0050