Tracie Mutschler, executive director for McMan South, addresses the assembled crowd in front of the new Kickstand Centre on Wednesday.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The doors are officially open at Kickstand Medicine Hat, giving youth a new location to find support for their mental health and well-being.
Wednesday saw the new hub officially open its doors, providing a first look at where young people in the community will be able to access resources such as mental health and medical support, peer support and cultural and social services in one location.
Youth will be able to access all these services, as well as guidance on essential life skills such as learning to cook.
“This has been a project and a labour of love in the making since about 2018 for this community,” said Tracie Mutschler, executive director for McMan South. “It’s just a great day out here to celebrate with all of you, to see all the hard work of the community partners come together. I truly feel that faith.
“Kickstand Medicine Hat exemplifies the power of partnership; it’s brought together numerous organizations, caregivers and the youth themselves to build a hub of hope and opportunity right here in our community.”
The finished space wouldn’t be possible without the work of everyone involved, including McMan South, the provincial government, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, the Mental Health Foundation and the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, says Mutschler.
“I think the community of Medicine Hat has really come together to create a special space with their Kickstand Centre,” said Katherine Hay, executive director of Kickstand. “Leadership from the McMahon team that’s been remarkable, and the involvement of the young people in this community has really been incredible.”
The opening featured a blessing by Elder Charlie Fox, tours of the new facility for attendees, as well as a barbecue.
“This isn’t just about the organizations here. This is about the families who sleep a little bit easier knowing that their teenager has a safe place to go. This is about building a community where mental health is treated with the same urgency and care as physical care help needs,” said Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright. “Mental health struggles often begin in youth, but so does resiliency.
“To the young people who are in the stands or in the crowd today or who may be walking through these doors in the next few days, the space is yours. Your voice matters, your well being matters and you are never, ever alone.”
