Two St. Albert youths say they like the idea of being able to access a “one-stop shop” for information and services geared toward the city’s young people.
“I think it’s a really good idea,” said Bronagh Smyth, an 18-year-old university student and member of Building Assets and Memories for Youth.
Smyth praised the youth strategic plan that was presented at council on Monday, which, among several other suggested actions, proposes a service hub dubbed The Garden. It is envisioned as a space downtown where youth can access information and other resources, including referrals to things such as counselling services.
She thinks such a hub could help fill a gap she sees in St. Albert when it comes to awareness of mental health issues among youth, though she did note it should be made a positive place that welcomes everyone that’s about more than mental health services.
The flexibility of the overall plan appeals to Smyth.
Youth would actually use such a hub, she said.
“I think if it got publicized in the right kind of way, it definitely would,” she said.
City council voted on Monday to recognize the youth strategic plan as a visionary document to be used to guide planning for supports and services for youth.
“This is not a drop-in youth centre,” said Scott Rodda, the director of the city’s Family and Community Support Services department.
Rodda said the majority of the youth consulted didn’t just want a replacement for the drop-in youth centre that was shuttered in 2013 – they wanted a place to go to access a variety of services.
“That's not to say groups won't meet there to deliver programs ... but it's more than a place to drop in because it really is about getting services,” Rodda said.
He said it needs to be a space that’s accessible to all youth. In the report the city identifies nearly 8,000 residents are between the ages of 15 and 24.
Council asked whether a service hub would be used by “at-risk youth,” something Rodda said they talk about regularly.
“Wherever youth congregate … we want to reach out to them, regardless of whatever label they do or do not have,” Rodda said.
He said he is “hesitant to describe any youth in the community as at-risk,” as many are vulnerable in some way.
Rodda acknowledged making it a place that attracts all segments of the youth population will be a challenge.
While there’s a grant application for $364,144 being processed by the province that would help pay for the first three years of operation, Rodda said if it’s unsuccessful the project will hopefully still go forward with the plans to have the hub within his department’s current budget and perhaps some partnerships to raise funds for the space.
Rodda also noted they haven’t yet determined how to use the $75,000 extra council decided to give them for youth services during the 2015 budget process.
Coun. Tim Osborne noted that more than $100,000 was raised last year in the community during the Save Our Space Camp campaign, which he said is a sign there could be people in the community who are able to help make funding the hub a reality.
The inclusivity of the plan was praised by council, though Coun. Sheena Hughes noted the broadness could be an “Achilles heel.”
Like Smyth, Ryley Fetter had praise for the idea of a service hub.
Fetter, 16, is a student at St. Albert Catholic High School and also a member of Building Assets and Memories for Youth.
Fetter liked “the whole idea that it’s not like a hang-out place” but instead has a community development aspect.
“Connecting the youth to their community is really good,” he said.
Fetter suggested mental health services and “life courses” such as tax return preparation or how to apply for post-secondary school information would valuable information for youth to access.
Fetter also wants youth to have some say in city governance.
“It would be nice to have our vote heard,” Fetter said – and part of the plan is to have consultations between youth and city council.
He also suggested a café run by youth for youth would be terrific, giving them a place to go.
“You’re constantly hearing youth saying there’s nothing to do in St. Albert,” Fetter said.
