Photo from the West Edmonton Mall Kickstand location.
A not-for-profit organization supporting youth mental health in Alberta is set to get even more funding from the provincial government.
Kickstand is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth mental health and holistic well-being.
Supports include in-person Kickstand centres, as well as online through Kickstand Connect.
Kickstand Connect is a free online portal and mobile app through which young people can access same-day or pre-booked appointments for mental health and addiction counselling, employment services, peer support and more.
All Kickstand services are free and confidential, with no wait list or referrals required and supports are targeted to Albertans aged 11 to 25 and their caregivers.
The Alberta government has already committed almost $15 million over three years from 2023-2026 to support Kickstand.
Starting this year, the federal government is committing another $10 million over four years to support Kickstand’s efforts to expand services.
“Kickstand’s youth-centred approach helps young Albertans get fast, accessible support for mental health and wellbeing – with no waitlists and no barriers. These investments from Alberta’s government and the federal government will support youth, families and communities,” said Rick Wilson, Alberta Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
Provincially funded, fully integrated Kickstand centres are already operating in Bonnyville, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat.
A philanthropically funded Kickstand centre is also operating in Edmonton at West Edmonton Mall.
Another five centres, including three in First Nations communities, are operating with varying service levels and working towards full integration.
This new federal funding will support the opening of five additional centres, at locations still to be determined, for a total of 15 provincially and federally funded centres throughout the province once fully operational.
“This funding will allow us to expand the number of Centres across Alberta and strengthen our integrated service model in collaboration with young people and community partners,” said Kickstand executive director Katherine Hay.
“When young people or their families walk into a Kickstand Centre, they are welcomed into a friendly, inclusive and culturally safe space where they can access mental health care, physical and sexual health services, peer support and help navigating life transitions. Investing in young Albertans is investing in a healthier, more connected future for our province.”
While specific services vary by location, Kickstand centres are hubs offering an integrated single point of access to mental health support, substance use services, peer support, Indigenous wellness services, primary health care and social services.
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