Our Journey
It all started in 2019…
Research to Identify Needs of Young People
Research conducted by Alberta health entities helped identify the mental health needs of young Albertans.
In response, Alberta developed a plan for its own Integrated Youth Services initiative, aligning with national efforts.
Early development of this provincial initiative was funded through support from the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, secured by the Mental Health Foundation.
Incorporated Integrated Youth Services
In 2020 We identified the need to build integrated services that specifically centered around youth in communities across Alberta. Â
The Alberta Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health was incorporated as a not-for-profit society in August 2020Â Â Â
The Society was created to act as a backbone organization for the implementation of Alberta’s provincial integrated youth services initiative.Â
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Rebranded as Kickstand
Through intentional engagement and interactive feedback from young people, their families, and caregivers, the society began to operate under the name Kickstand.Â
The brand Kickstand, represents the kickstand support mechanism on a bike and our colors represent the Albertan sky!Â
Kickstand was required to pivot due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and turn their focus to the exploration, design, build, and implementation of a virtual service. Â
More Good Days
In 2021 we launched a text message campaign called More Good Days. Daily text messages created and curated by youth are sent to subscribers that include advice, positivity, and inspiration!Â
TEXT MoreGoodDays to 393939 for daily advice and inspiration!Â
Great Big Stories
Kickstand’s youth got together to share their experiences with Kickstand. With support from Frayme, and the Royal Bank of Canada, these experiences were made into a doodle animation by local artist Michelle Ku and called “Great Big Stories”.Â
Kickstand Connect
Kickstand Connect was initially launched in May and provided on-line, free access to our virtual clinic.
Kickstand Centres Development
Kickstand began the development of 4 Kickstand Centres in communities across Alberta.Â
Bonnyville, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, and Grande Prairie.
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Kickstand Centres Launch
Kickstand Centres launched and provide improved access to holistic health and wellness services for young people.Â
These four locations are the beginnings of the provincial Kickstand Network. Â
Two more communities are continuing development of their Kickstand Centres to join the Kickstand Network in 2025. Â
Drayton Valley and StrathmoreÂ
We are so excited! Click here to read more about each hub and our upcoming communities.Â