In the first episode of A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, Jessica Samuels covers the topic of Youth Mental Health with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and the need for more mental health resources and support for young people. The conversation focuses on the importance of early intervention and how providing mental health services sooner can have a lasting impact on youth as they transition into adulthood.

Mike shares his expertise on the current state of youth mental health in Kelowna, emphasizing that many mental health struggles can be mitigated or addressed with timely and adequate resources. The episode also explores the critical role that youth dedicated organizations, school, and families play in advocating for more accessible mental health programs and the long-term benefits of investing in early intervention.

The episodes wraps up with a discussion of programs and resources available for young people as they manage their mental health challenges.

**Key Topics Discussed:**
- The current gaps in mental health resources for youth
- The importance of early intervention in preventing long-term mental health issues
- How early support can help ease the transition from adolescence into adulthood
- The role of CMHA Kelowna/Foundry Kelowna in advocating for youth mental health
- How youth dedicated programs, schools, parents, and communities can collaborate to provide better mental health support
- How parents and caregivers know when to see out supports for youth
- Real-life stories of impact and success when intervention happens early
- Programs and resources that are available

**Resources Mentioned:**
- Foundry Central (provincial entity, Foundry Virtual)
- Foundry Kelowna (operated by CMHA Kelowna)
- ARC Programs (Family Connections Centre)
- The Upstream Project (Boys and Girls Club Okanagan)
- The Bridge Youth Services

**General Mental Health Resources:**
If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now