BGC South Vancouver Island

In a world where screens dominate our attention and social media dictates our sense of belonging, it's easy to overlook the deep struggles that many young people face. In our neighbourhoods, middle years’ youth are grappling with feelings of isolation and struggling with mental health challenges. They feel lost and disconnected from the world around them and they don't feel like they belong at school, at home, or with their peers. They’re desperate for connection, and in a moment of hopelessness, they turn to drugs and alcohol. They’re getting involved with the wrong crowd and are engaging in criminal activities. They're falling behind in school and their future is looking bleak. Their mental health is spiraling out of control, and they feel like there's no way out.

So BGC South Vancouver Island (formerly Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria) is doing something about it! They have established a youth outreach team to work in schools to connect with middle years’ youth who are falling through the cracks!

BGC South Vancouver Island (BGCSVI) knows that Opportunity Changes Everything! Their outreach team provides a safe and supportive space where young people can find a sense of community and belonging. They provide youth with opportunities to learn new skills and discover new interests, increasing motivation and passion for learning.  This translates to more engagement in school and academic performance! Through the outreach team and new experiences, youth learn healthy habits, develop coping and life skills and build self-esteem and resilience, so they can handle stress and bounce back from setbacks. With each outreach activity, middle years’ youth make incremental steps towards positive change and find a sense of purpose and direction in life.

For more information, please visit their website: www.bgcsvi.org