In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside.

As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had supporting youth ages 12–24 and their caregivers through counselling, peer support, family navigation, primary care and social services.

The episode also explores CMHA Kelowna’s Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign, which aims to bring a Foundry satellite location to the Westside and improve access to mental health supports for youth and families in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland.

In this episode:

• Why accessible mental health support matters for youth
• The role Foundry Kelowna plays in helping young people feel heard and supported
• Transportation and distance barriers facing Westside youth
• The importance of awareness and helping youth know where to turn for support
• Delaney’s journey founding the Walk for Mental Health at Mount Boucherie Secondary School
• How community engagement will shape the future of the Westside satellite location
• The long-term vision for youth mental health support in the region

Notable Moments

“We are looking at a space where youth don’t know where to go. And we’re hoping that Foundry is that first step for them.” — Kirsten Charles

“It’s such a barrier when you don’t even know what there is to support you.” — Delaney Neukomm

“I want youth to know there’s support.” — Kirsten Charles

For Foundry Kelowna Supports for Youth Mental Health and Wellness Services visit: https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/foundry-kelowna

About the Campaign

The Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign is focused on expanding youth mental health supports to the Westside through a satellite Foundry location. The initiative aims to make services more accessible for young people and caregivers by reducing transportation and access barriers while building stronger community connections.

Get Involved

Learn more about the campaign, become a Friend of Foundry, or support the initiative through:

· https://cmhakelowna.crowdchange.ca/146672

Listen & Subscribe

Listen to A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about CMHA Kelowna programs and supports, visit: cmhakelowna.com

For questions about the podcast, contact: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

About the Podcast

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.

In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Jaime Edmondson (Beem Credit Union) and Mike Gawliuk (CEO CMHA Kelowna) to unpack how rising housing costs are impacting mental health across British Columbia.

From renters feeling locked out of the market to homeowners struggling with rising interest rates, this conversation explores the emotional toll of financial stress—and what support looks like.

Key Themes

1. The Emotional Weight of Housing Costs

• Housing affordability is one of the top stressors affecting mental health today
• Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, shame, and guilt are increasingly common
• Financial stress often leads to avoidance, preventing people from seeking help

2. Renters vs. Homeowners: Shared Pressure, Different Realities

• Renters: (Struggle to save due to high rent and cost of living; Many feel homeownership is out of reach)
• Homeowners: (Facing rising interest rates and mortgage renewals; Managing increased costs while rental income may be declining)

3. The “YOLO Effect” and Saving Fatigue

• Saving for a home can take ~7 years on average
• High monthly savings requirements lead many to give up
• Result: people choose to live in the moment rather than save, reducing chances of entering the housing market

4. The Mental Health Impact

• Housing is a social determinant of health
• Financial instability can: (Trigger or worsen mental health challenges; Increase isolation and stress cycles)
• Younger people are especially affected, facing long-term uncertainty

5. The Hidden Costs of Living

• Beyond rent/mortgage: (Utilities, taxes, insurance, internet, repairs)
• Unexpected expenses (e.g., repairs) can push people into debt cycles

6. Shame and Financial Avoidance

• Many people avoid financial conversations due to: Fear of judgment; Misunderstanding (e.g., mortgage renewal myths)
• This avoidance often leads to worse financial outcomes

Practical Takeaways

Financial Strategies

• Talk to a financial advisor early
• Build a clear, realistic budget
• Review and cut unnecessary expenses (subscriptions, etc.)
• Explore restructuring debt for manageable payments

Mental Health & Community Support

• Seek support early—financial and emotional stress are linked
• Programs available include: Rent support and eviction prevention; Financial literacy resources; Community-based assistance

Programs & Resources Mentioned

• Central Okanagan Rent Bank: https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/central-okanagan-rent-bank (Emergency grants/loans to prevent eviction)
• BC Housing Rent Supplement (https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/bc-housing-rent-supplement)
• Financial literacy partnerships (e.g., community organizations)
• Beem Credit Union programs: First Home Advantage (down payment support); Debt restructuring and advisory services

More information and links can be found on the A Way Forward Podcast page at cmhakelowna.org.
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

Notable Insights

• Many British Columbians spend 30–50%+ of income on housing
• A significant portion are one paycheck away from financial crisis
• Increased housing supply does not automatically equal affordability

Key Message

You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by housing costs.
Support exists—and starting the conversation is often the most important step.

About the Podcast

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.