The YMCA Teen Mindfulness Group (Mind Medicine) program is a low barrier 7-week support group for teens ages 13-19 who experience stress and/or mild-moderate anxiety. Participants learn healthy coping skills based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness, connect with other youth in the community, and get support all in a safe and friendly environment. The group provides a safe, supportive environment where teens can meet others who are experiencing similar feelings and includes:

• Engaging discussions about stress, anxiety and other topics
  
• Practicing evidence-based mindfulness techniques during workshops, a proven tool to help manage stress and anxiety
  
• Educational tools from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidenced-based therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies
  
• Take-home resources to help manage stress and anxiety in between weekly meetings
  

WE ARE EXCITED TO RE-OPEN OUR BIKEWORKS LOCATION AS OUR NEW YOUTH CENTRE

Summer Hours: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday 12:30pm-6:00pm (Youth 12-19)

One of the CMHA-Cowichan Valley Branch’s youth programs was a familiar Trunk Road landmark for over 15 years. In 2021, BikeWorks moved to a new location at 360 Festubert Street. The COVID years brought many challenges and the change in space for BikeWorks and the loss of space for our Open Door Youth Services Centre prompted some tough decisions. The result was to continue to serve the 12-19 year old population but to include a wider range of programs and activities in the limited space available. Through our new Youth Centre (new name coming soon!), we are striving to build a safe space and community for youth that crosses economic, racial, age and gang lines and fosters feelings of belonging and acceptance. 

Providing these critical “communicative spaces” is often the first step in helping youth to escape the spirals of addiction, poverty and homelessness. For many young people, having access computers, video games, and free arts and crafts activities are valuable additions to their lives. Free snacks and small meals are served during program hours and this brings in young families. In this way, the centre also functions as an anti-poverty initiative.

Drop in is open to youth up to 19 years of age. 

Please call in advance of dropping off donations as we have limited storage.

Telephone Number for Youth Centre: 250.732.2231