Youth in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region exceed provincial averages in substance use, with nearly one-third reporting they used substances because they felt down, sad or stressed, according to the first-ever Oceanside State of Children and Youth.

The report looks at the lives of children, youth and families across the region and is the result of a collaborative effort led by the Oceanside Child and Youth Wellness Action Group, a community action table of the Naut’ sa mawt Oceanside Wellness Network, with support from local organizations and community members, according to a news release by the NOW Network.

Titled Stories Beyond Statistics: Understanding Children and Youth in Oceanside, the report highlight the experiences, challenges and strengths of young people in the community.

See Full Page