The mall

a safer place to shop & chill

Areas surrounding shopping malls have traditionally been known as ‘hangout spots’ for youth in communities everywhere. With the completion of the Evergreen Skytrain extension, Access Youth recognized the need for a new program that would address the increasing number of youth flowing into the Coquitlam city centre – in particular the area surrounding the mall.

Drawing on the success and experience of The Bus program, Access Youth partnered with Coquitlam Centre mall to provide a brand new program that placed two Outreach Workers in the shopping centre after a 5-month pilot project.

In addition, this program proved to be great model for other community centres who are looking for ways to create safer public spaces within their communities.

Working Together For Youth

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Implementing a program like this is proof that prevention-based programs really make a difference in maintaining a youth-friendly environment and a healthy community.