Island Health is now running its Step Up Youth program in two new communities through a partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation to offer volunteer opportunities in healthcare to youth in rural areas.
The Step Up Youth program offers youth aged 15-18 the opportunity to volunteer at select Island Health hospitals and long-term care homes. Youth volunteers attend weekly shifts
and participate in a monthly guest speaker series, enabling them to learn more about careers in healthcare and positively impact the experience of patients, residents, and staff.
Step Up is now being offered in Alert Bay and Port McNeill—youth in these communities are encouraged to apply for the program now, to begin volunteering this October.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to offer the Step Up Youth Volunteer Program in these communities, so this expansion is really exciting,” said Erin Henneberry, Youth Program
Leader, Volunteer Engagement with Island Health. “For youth who think they may be interested in healthcare, joining our program is a great way to be able to see themselves
in this type of career path.”‘Namgis First Nation member, Laura Cranmer, kicked things off by inquiring with Island Health about the possibility of offering the program in Alert Bay—and a partnership was struck, working together to make it happen. Cormorant Island Health Centre and Port McNeill Hospital were both recently added as new sites accepting youth volunteers.
“What I find attractive about the Step Up Youth program are the strong networks of support between youth peer groups as well as between the nursing staff and new volunteers—not to mention the incredible scholarships opportunities that can be applied for those who actually register for education in healthcare after high school graduation,” Cranmer said.
Juliet Bullock, the Site Manager at Cormorant Island Health Centre, is ready to welcome youth in to volunteer with open arms. “I encourage the youth to come in with an open
heart and open mind—once they spend time with our residents and get to know them, the youth might have ideas on things they might like to do and we’re always welcome to ideas on how we can spread joy and be a part of our residents’ lives,” Bullock said.
Youth in Alert Bay or Port McNeill who are interested in applying to become a volunteer this fall can get started by emailing StepUpYouth@islandhealth.ca.
To learn more about the program, visit https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-abouthealth/volunteer-resources-engagement/step-youth-program.