Native Council of PEI opens drop-in centre for youth

At-risk aboriginal youth in P.E.I. will now have a safe space to go during the day — the Native Council of PEI's new youth drop-in centre at their Charlottetown offices at 6 F.J. McAulay Ct.

"There aren't a lot of youth spaces in Charlottetown," said Kelly Mackie, the co-ordinator for NCPEI's Hep'd Up on Life program — a program that teaches youth about sexual health and high risk behaviour.

The drop-in centre will have computers, movies, games, showers and a kitchen.

 It will also host aboriginal drumming on Tuesdays, and a recovery group on Wednesdays.

16-year-old Keifer Peters took advantage of the the centre's drum session to have a few laughs and try to learn a new skill.

"I see a lot of bad things, like drug use and alcohol among people my age and even younger," said Peters. 

"When they're alone, they get in a lot of trouble. So I think if there's a space for them to come to, that'll stop them from doing those negative activities."

The drop-in will also support the existing programs the council runs, bringing young people into the centre and familiarize them with what is available including information, counseling, and a basket of free condoms. 

"Right now we have computer access, we have condoms we give out, pamphlets on healthy relationships, safe sex, referral services we can do for mental health and addictions, TV, movies, access to different programs," said Lynn Bradley with the PEI Native Council. 

The council plans to add more programs in the future based on youth involvement and ideas.

The centre is seeking donations of books, sports equipment, movies, games, or anything else young people might enjoy.

Mackie said there's a lot of excitement for the space to open.

"The kids are excited about having a safe place to go, a place where they can be themselves and a place where they can have conversations about things that are important to them."

The drop-in centre is now open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.