A new mobile youth drop-in centre on Montreal’s West Island

In the province of Quebec, roughly 31% of young people aged 18 to 24 years report symptoms of generalized anxiety or major depression according to Santé Montréal. In the city of Montreal, the figure is nearly 50%.

The statistic is one of many reasons why the Quebec government has opened a new Aire Ouverte youth drop-in centre on Montreal’s West Island in Kirkland. Experts say the stigma associated with getting help makes it challenging to reach out, but that the focus is on making resources accessible. 

“It’s a one-stop shop for youth and we try to respond to any need that they may have,” says Ina Winkelmann, associate director of mental health and addictions for the West Island health authority, adding “it could be mental health needs, sexual health, it could be help dealing with family issues.”

The new location offers a team of 11 professionals available to serve youth. These include and occupational therapist, sexologist, social worker, spiritual care counselor, nurse, psychologist, peer support worker, human relations agent and medical doctor.

“We try to offer them everything that they may need without having to perhaps even come back a second time. Or if they need something more specialized, we’re here to accompany them to the right service,” Winkelmann says.

Services at the drop-in centre include counseling for mental health needs, sexual and physical health concerns, relationship issues, help and guidance in accessing other health services, addictions and workshops.

“Youth and family members who don’t really know where to go, they can come here and then we can help orient them. Our CIUSSS is not always the easiest to navigate, so when they come here, at least we can try to kind of demystify the services and then kind of encourage them and personally accompany them,” occupational therapist and clinical coordinator, Elizabeth Guevara, told CityNews.

“The whole idea behind Aire Ouverte is to reach those youth who are more hesitant. So that’s the reason why we’re in these more community locations. That’s the reason why we do a lot of outreach. We go out into the community to meet them where they’re at,” Guevara says.

A unique trait is youth having the option to meet Aire Ouverte’s West Island professionals at coffee shops, or wherever they please. Young people can also reach out by phone, text, walk in or book an appointment – whether virtual or in person.

“Services like this haven’t existed in the past, especially the drop-in aspect of it, the mobile aspect of it […] so we really hope that youth will come and knock on our door,” Winkelmann says. 

With the comfort being top of mind Guevara explains “the space is friendly. [Youth have] helped design the space, so the idea is that it’s created for youth by youth, and so we hope that helps them come in.”