Aylmer gets a youth transition space
Mélissa Gélinas
The Outaouais Youth Employment Centre (CJEO), in collaboration with the Open Area of the Outaouais Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS), launched the Transition Space project mid-September. This inclusive initiative provides support and socialization opportunities for young people age 16 to 25.
This project originated last April, following a focus group organized by the Outaouais CISSS with young people. "We wanted to wait until the project was more developed before launching it," explained Véronique Bernier, Communications and Development Coordinator at the youth employment centre. During the focus group, participants were able to share their ideas and propose solutions to address their various needs. "The CISSS then issued a call for projects that would meet all the needs identified," she stated. "It's a project that was designed by and for young people."
This project is also planned to run for a period of three years. Bernier hopes the centre can continue this initiative if everything goes well.
Transition Space is a safe and welcoming place where young people can ask all their questions and be supported in their transition to adulthood through concrete and practical workshops on cooking, budgeting, housing, employment, responsible consumption, returning to school, and much more.
"We can go with them to the grocery store, for example, so they can learn how to shop more economically," said Bernier. A community kitchen is available to allow young people to learn how to cook from recipes.
As part of the project, a calendar of activities is offered each month in the city's three main sectors: Gatineau (CJEO's main location, 350, boulevard de la Gappe), Hull (Rez-de-jardin, 135, Rue Eddy), and Aylmer (Aylmer Community Centre, 61, Rue du Couvent). In addition, thanks to the CJEO's van, outreach workers can meet with young people and facilitate their participation in activities, regardless of their location within the city.
For more information: https://lecho.my.canva.site/calendrier-espace-transition
