Adolescence is a unique and formative time, however the past years we have seen a significant increase in mental health related problems and disorders. Multiple factors affect mental health, including stigma, poor living conditions, trauma and more. In the Fraser Valley we are fortunate to have programs available to help youth, such as Fraser East Early Psychosis Intervention Program (EPI).
EPI program helps provide assessment and treatment of psychosis for people between 13-30 years of age. Some of the services they offer include: symptom management strategies, family education, and relapse prevention planning.
The summer program, funded by Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, helped promote well-being by encouraging youth to incorporate movement, spend time outside by learning together, and building better habits and life-skills.
The program according to youth care worker Sage, from EPI, was extremely helpful, “watching clients connect with one another, gain confidence and build self esteem through groups has been an incredible experience. Many clients would go a lifetime without having to do any of the events we were able to offer, watching them engage and grow has been so fulfilling”.
Promoting wellness and life-skills training is not just a summer thing. It needs to be year-round, which is why the EPI program needs financial support in helping fund more wellness related programs for their youth. According to some of the youth, the program is definitely rewarding for their recovery journey: “the summer activities helps me get out of the house, and work on overcoming my anxiety. I made many friends along the way, and made even more memories. From rock-climbing to Cultus, to ice-cream and beyond” (EPI client). “the socialisation with people, with great support, has made an important impact in not only my recovery, but life in general” (EPI client).
The Foundation relies on the support of the community to help fund programs such as this and if you would like to support EPI’s autumn and winter program please contact: Lakhbir.Jassal@fraserhealth.ca and visit fvhcf.ca to learn more.
