Latest news with #YMCAofNorthernAlberta
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Bright colours, open doors: Kickstand Edmonton opens new primary care clinic for youth
Article content This vibrant setting marked the official opening of the West Edmonton Primary Care Network clinic at Kickstand Edmonton, a youth hub operated by the YMCA of Northern Alberta that provides free services for young people aged 11 to 25. The centre's core mission is simple — making every young person feel safe, included and at home. 'Today marks a really important day for our young people to be able to access a range of health and wellbeing services in one location,' said Katherine Hay, executive director of Kickstand. 'We know that our young people are struggling to maintain their health and especially to access services in a way that makes them feel heard and not really alone.' Kickstand Edmonton is one of four operational integrated youth service sites in the province, with four more planned to open in the next year, Hay said. The site offers a mix of mental health counselling, Indigenous wellness, life skills programming, and now, primary care — all in a youth-designed space.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
West Edmonton Primary Care Network clinic opening at Kickstand Edmonton youth hub
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kickstand Edmonton, operated by YMCA of Northern Alberta is a free youth services site in West Edmonton Mall, offering mental health counselling, Indigenous wellness, life skills training and more to young people ages 11–25. June 4, 2025 will be the official opening of the West Edmonton Primary Care Network on site, allowing youth access to all the services they need for their well-being under one roof. Barrier-free access to these services can be life-changing for vulnerable youth in our community. Who: Kickstand, YMCA of Northern Alberta and the West Edmonton Primary Care Network What: A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the official opening of the West Edmonton Primary Care Network at Kickstand Edmonton. Date: Wednesday, June 4 Time: 11:30am–12:30pm Location: Kickstand Edmonton, West Edmonton Mall, #2936, 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2 Interview and Photo Opportunities: This event will be attended by leadership from Kickstand, YMCA of Northern Alberta and the West Edmonton Primary Care Network, who will be available for interviews and photo opportunities. About YMCA of Northern AlbertaYMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to igniting the potential in people since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness to delivering important community outreach programs, the YMCA works to strengthen communities in the Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and Edmonton regions. For more information, visit About Kickstand Kickstand is a not-for-profit organization offering free, safe, and confidential mental health services to young Albertans, aged 11 to 25. Through its network of urban, rural and virtual hubs, Kickstand provides a one-stop shop for youth mental health support, substance use counseling, peer support, and more. Its mission is to become the go-to place for young people to find and receive an array of services in one location and improve mental health outcomes for young Albertans. For more information, visit CONTACT: Contact: Deanna Barker Director, Marketing & Communications YMCA of Northern Alberta 587-743-1068 in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kickstand youth hub now includes the West Edmonton Primary Care Network on site
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starting June 4, Kickstand Edmonton operated by YMCA of Northern Alberta will now offer primary healthcare services for youth at its free youth wellness services hub located in West Edmonton Mall. Young people aged 11–25 can visit Kickstand to access free and confidential mental health counselling, Indigenous wellness services, peer support, life skills training and more — and now they can visit a nurse practitioner as well. 'We're incredibly excited to welcome the West Edmonton Primary Care Network team to Kickstand Edmonton,' says Kickstand's Executive Director, Katherine Hay. 'Their presence marks a huge step forward in our mission to deliver truly integrated care for young people. Having primary care available onsite means young people can access physical and mental support all in one place — a model that reflects how community health should be delivered: connected, accessible and youth-centred.' At Kickstand, more than 20 service providers offer their free services under one roof. Since opening its doors in January of this year, the centre has helped youth find their path to a brighter future, supporting them in their mental health journey and beyond. 'The collaboration between so many service providers with a shared vision is helping young people in our community thrive,' says Nick Parkinson, President & CEO of YMCA of Northern Alberta, the organization that operates Kickstand Edmonton. 'The opening of the West Edmonton Primary Care Network helps connect their mental and social well-being to their physical health, ensuring a young person can find everything they need here to be well. We are so grateful to be able to offer their services at Kickstand.' Kickstand Edmonton is located in West Edmonton Mall, and is open Monday–Friday from 12–6pm. For more information, visit About Kickstand Kickstand is a not-for-profit organization offering free, safe, and confidential mental health services to young Albertans, aged 11 to 25. Through its network of urban, rural and virtual hubs, Kickstand provides a one-stop shop for youth mental health support, substance use counseling, peer support, and more. Its mission is to become the go-to place for young people to find and receive an array of services in one location and improve mental health outcomes for young Albertans. For more information, visit About YMCA of Northern AlbertaYMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to igniting the potential in people since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness to delivering important community outreach programs, the YMCA works to strengthen communities in the Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and Edmonton regions. For more information, visit Contact:Deanna BarkerDirector, Marketing & CommunicationsYMCA of Northern Alberta587-743-1068 CONTACT:
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kickstand Launches First Urban Youth Mental Health Hub in Edmonton
EDMONTON, AB, Jan. 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Did you know that one in two young people in Canada aren't getting the mental health support they need? The growing mental health crisis among young people in our communities demands action and that's why Kickstand is proud to announce the official launch of Kickstand Edmonton on February 6, 2025, at West Edmonton Mall. In partnership with the YMCA of Northern Alberta and the Mental Health Foundation, this new hub, located just above the Toyota Dealership inside the mall, is the latest addition to the Kickstand Network. It offers a one-stop resource for individuals ages 11-25, as well as their families and caregivers, seeking mental health and social support. Building on its commitment to transforming how young Albertans access services, Kickstand Edmonton will integrate resources into one accessible, youth-centered space, where individuals can find the help they need, when they need it. Everyone is welcome. No referral is required to access services at the Kickstand Edmonton centre, which is currently open Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Extended hours are in the works for the future. Free, confidential services will include: Mental Health and Substance Use Counselling: Single-session, solution-focused support provided by licensed professionals. Peer Support: Emotional support and site/ system navigation from trained peers with lived experience. Employment Services: Assistance with job searching, resume building, and career exploration. Workshops and Groups: Interactive sessions focusing on skills, education, and wellness. Indigenous Support: Indigenous Teachings, Ceremony Space Media Opportunities Before the Event: Media are welcome to speak with representatives from Kickstand, the YMCA of Northern Alberta, the Mental Health Foundation, and local youth councils, who are available to provide further details about this exciting, brand-new space in Edmonton. Media Opportunities At the Event: Media are invited to attend the in-person event on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Following the official launch ceremony, a 30-minute Q&A session will provide an opportunity to ask questions to our representatives. To RSVP and for more information, please contact For more information on youth mental health in Alberta and Canada: Child and Youth Well-being Review report The Daily — 2023 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth — Changes in the mental health of respondents from the 2019 survey A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada About Kickstand Kickstand is a not-for-profit organization offering free, safe, and confidential mental health services to young Albertans, aged 11 to 25. Through its network of urban, rural and virtual hubs, Kickstand provides a one-stop shop for youth mental health support, substance use counseling, peer support, and more. Its mission is to become the go-to place for young people to find and receive an array of services in one location and improve mental health outcomes for young Albertans. For more information, visit SOURCE Kickstand View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
