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 theNative Council ofPEI'snew 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 KellyMackie, theco-ordinatorfor NCPEI'sHep'dUp 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 aboriginaldrumming on Tuesdays, and a recovery group on Wednesdays.

16-year-old KeiferPeters 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 centreand familiarize them with what is availableincluding information, counseling, and a basket of free condoms.

"Right nowwe 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 councilplans to addmore programs in the futurebased on youth involvement and ideas.

The centre is seeking donations ofbooks, sports equipment, movies, games, or anything else young peoplemight 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 isnow open every Tuesdayto Saturday from 11 a.m. to7 p.m.