A new youth hub, Kickstand, has opened in West Edmonton Mall, aiming to provide crucial mental health support to young people aged 11 to 25. The initiative, launched by YMCA Northern Alberta, offers free counseling and peer support services, making mental health resources more accessible to Edmonton’s youth. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to address the mental health challenges faced by young people in Alberta.
Kickstand was co-designed with young people in mind, ensuring the space is welcoming and responsive to their unique needs. According to Katherin Hay, the executive director of Kickstand, the organization is dedicated to making mental health services as accessible and effective as possible. “We really want to take that responsibility as a system for making it as easy as possible for a young person to get connected to what they need,” Hay said.
For Milania Pratoomporn, a youth advisor with Kickstand, the initiative holds deep personal significance. Pratoomporn shared her experience of losing someone close to her through suicide, and how this tragedy highlighted the need for a supportive environment where young people could openly discuss their struggles. “This person felt so isolated and didn’t know what to do… there needs to be a place where youth can feel comfortable, to talk about the things that they’re feeling and where they can get the help they need,” she said.
In addition to mental health services, Kickstand will also offer employment support, ensuring youth can access resources that help address broader life challenges. This holistic approach to youth support aims to prevent crises before they escalate, encouraging young people to reach out early when they face difficulties. “These types of support really solve problems early so that hopefully more youth won’t think that that’s an option they need to take,” Pratoomporn added.
Kickstand is expected to help between 1,500 to 2,000 youth annually. Youth can either book an appointment online or walk in for services, providing flexibility for those in need. This new facility is the fourth Kickstand location in Alberta, further expanding the reach of this valuable service.
The opening of Kickstand represents a crucial step in addressing the mental health needs of young people in Edmonton and surrounding areas, offering a safe and supportive space for youth to access the care they deserve.
