Youth Outreach

This program is coordinated in partnership with Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour Community Schools. Referrals are not required. The program is free and confidential.

What the program offers

This program works to increase youth safety and community integration by connecting and referring youth to local resources, focusing on risk reduction, and providing the community with a broader understanding of youth issues. The program is open to youth aged 12-23 yrs.

We connect youth to local resources that offer info on:

• Drug and alcohol awareness
• Sexual health
• Employment
• Housing
• Youth events and spaces

You will find us out and about in the community (beaches, shopping malls, skate parks and community centres) looking to help answer any questions and making sure youth are safe.

What you can expect from the program

Referrals are not required. The program is free and confidential. Youth Workers can help direct youth to resources and other supports in the community. Youth Outreach does not offer ongoing one-to-one service.

The Youth Outreach team is available through phone or text message at 604-865-0178, or through Instagram: @scyouthoutreach.

Youth Workers visit schools on the Sunshine Coast at various times, either as a check-in over lunch period, or as a scheduled event such as “Stop and Talk”. The Youth Outreach Team also connects with youth through monthly “pop up” events (you may have seen them at GBS parking lot, both the Gibsons and Sechelt skate parks, Lions Park in Pender Harbour, and a variety of other locations).

You can find the Youth Outreach Team in high schools, community centres, or just out and about in the community. Don’t hesitate to say hi!

Please note: Youth Workers do not hold a caseload of youth outreach clients; limited one-to-one meetings are provided only if referral to resources is more complex than a phone/text conversation. This program is offered as an outreach service. Youth under 14 require caregiver/guardian consent if meeting one-to-one with youth workers in community.

How you can take part

Contact the Youth Outreach team and leave a confidential message 24/7* at 604-865-0178 or email youth@sccss.ca. You can also follow and message them on Instagram: @scyouthoutreach.

*Youth Workers answer messages Monday to Friday between 9am and 7pm. An automated message will appear with contact information for The Kids Help Phone should a message be received outside of these hours.

What's On

Gender Diverse Network (GDN)

The Gender Diverse Network (GDN) is a monthly peer-led drop-in for those who identify or question whether they fall within the gender-diverse spectrum (transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, etc.). The GDN is a multi-generational group open to people aged 16+ to connect with others, give and share information, and seek support. Free dinner is always served.

The drop-in is on the second Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at 5538 Shorncliffe Avenue, Sechelt. There is also a Zoom option for those who wish to join virtually – Zoom Meeting ID: 854 8445 0461, Passcode: 150981. Contact Shayne for more details at 604-865-0812 or email sforster@sccss.ca.

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Queer Youth Drop-In

The Queer Youth Drop-In is a monthly drop-in for LGBTQ2IA+ youth aged 12-23 to connect with their community, eat some good food, engage in fun activities (crafts, film nights and button-making, anyone?), and make this space their own.

The drop-in is on the 4th Thursday of every month* from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Sechelt Youth Centre, 5538 Shorncliffe Avenue, Sechelt. 

Follow/DM the Youth Outreach Instagram: @scyouthoutreach or text/call 604-865-0178 to stay up to date on what's happening!

*Due to the Youth Pride Dance being held on June 23rd, there will be no drop-in on June, 22nd.