Episode 27: Bridging the Gap: Bringing Foundry to the Westside
From A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health by CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
May 27, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 27
About this episode
The episode discusses the expansion of Foundry services to improve youth mental health support on the Westside.
In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside. As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had supporting youth ages 12–24 and their caregivers through counselling, peer support, family navigation, primary care and social services. The episode also explores CMHA Kelowna’s Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign, which aims to bring a Foundry satellite location to the Westside and improve access to mental health supports for youth and families in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland. In this episode: Why accessible mental health support matters for youth The role Foundry Kelowna plays in helping young people feel heard and supported Transportation and distance barriers facing Westside youth The importance of awareness and helping youth know where to turn for support Delaney’s journey founding the Walk for Mental Health at Mount Boucherie Secondary School How community…
People in this episode
Host: Jessica Samuels
Guests: Kirsten Charles, Delaney Neukomm
Topics covered
- youth mental health
- access to support
- Foundry services
- community engagement
- mental health awareness
Keywords
- mental health
- youth support
- Foundry Kelowna
- community services
- accessibility
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CMHA Kelowna, Foundry, Westbank First Nation
Places: West Kelowna, Peachland
More episodes of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
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- Episode 25: Rising Housing Costs & Mental Health · April 29, 2026 · 25 min
- Episode 24: Substance Use and Addiction: The Recovery Journey · April 15, 2026 · 34 min
- Episode 23: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy · April 1, 2026 · 28 min
- Episode 22: Complex Grief: Finding a Way Forward · March 17, 2026 · 24 min
- Episode 21: Relationships, Money, & Mental Health · December 10, 2025 · 14 min
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