YOUTH SERVICES
Cowichan Valley Youth Services is your source for support. Whether you are struggling with school, relationships, anxiety, gender-identity, or emotional regulation, our trained team members are here to help you navigate the challenges of young adulthood.
YOUTH PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Counselling & Outreach Support
Free, confidential counselling support for youth ages 13-18.
Connect with one of our Youth & Family Counsellors today in-office or via mobile outreach, so you can choose the environment that's right for you.
“I’m interested in receiving counselling support. What happens next?”
Take the first step today by calling 250-748-0232, by sending us a message on Facebook or Instagram, or dropping by our office at 294 Coronation Avenue.
Once you’ve made contact with us, you will be placed on our waitlist and our intake counsellor will connect with you and set up your first meeting. After your intake appointment and while you wait to be assigned a counsellor, we will stay in touch to see how you are doing and keep you updated on additional opportunities to receive support, such as art and hiking groups, or special events.
Groups
We offer a variety of groups throughout the year including outdoors and art group, and Pro-D Day events.
For more information about what we currently offer you can call our office, at 250-748-0232 or visit us on Facebook!
FREE Summer Group Programming:
Join Cowichan Valley Youth Services (CVYS) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) at Humble Hooves Farm for Equine Assisted Learning!
Every Tuesday, all summer,
from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED
JULY COHORT - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
AUGUST COHORT - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Support for Gender-Diverse Youth
Gender-Affirming Counselling Services
CVYS provides free, confidential, low-barrier gender-affirming counselling support to youth aged 13-18. Our skilled Youth & Family Counsellors support and validate youth in their exploration of identity and help bridge gaps in communication and understanding within families to increase feelings of safety and renewed connection. CVYS also provides support to parents and caregivers of gender non-conforming youth through one-to-one and drop in parent coaching.
Gender-Affirming Clothing, Chest Binders & Trans Tape
CVYS is an official Qmunity Fitting Room Site for their Gender Supportive Wear Program. We offer a fitting room with instructions/education on how to utilize chest binders safely, and maintain a stock of gender-affirming clothing/accessories as well as Trans Tape for our youth clients to access free of charge.
2SLBTQIA+ Group Programming & Community Events
Throughout the year, CVYS offers group programming and community events intended to create safe, celebratory spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to gather in both recreational and therapeutic contexts. Examples of past events include a Halloween Drag Show and a Valentines’ Day Pride Gathering. Visit our Events Calendar on our website to view upcoming events.
Are you an employer curious about hiring a YEMP'er?
Employment Support
Youth Employment Mentorship Program (YEMP)
A paid life- and employment-skills program for youth 15-30 who experience significant barriers to employment.
CVYS’s Youth Employment Mentorship Program (YEMP) is a 12-week training program for youth aged 15-30. It includes 6 weeks of paid skills training, life skills development, certifications, and job readiness support. The program also offers job maintenance support, wage subsidies, and access to counselling services. YEMP equips participants with the skills and certifications needed to secure employment and advance in the workforce, and addresses both immediate and long-term needs by reducing employment barriers and fostering career development to prepare youth to successfully navigate the job market.
Interested in joining YEMP? Click hear to learn more.
Employment Workshops
CVYS often offers half or full-day employment workshops for youth. Check out our calendar to view our current offerings!
Gratitude to the Partners Who Make this Work Possible
