Youth Space Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come?
Youth aged 10-18. There are specific times for age groups, so please check our weekly calendar to see when your drop-in time is!
No matter who you are, where you're from, what you believe, and what you're passionate about you can come hang out here. We just ask that you treat everyone with respect.
What's it cost?
Everything at the Youth Space is free!
All programs, special events, workshops, food, activities, art supplies, etc. are completely free of charge to access, thanks to our generous community partners.
When are you open?
We are currently open 5 days a week! Hours are for specific age groups and are subject to change, so please check our social media for the most up-to-date information.
We know our programming is an important access point for youth in our community to get 1 to 1 support and build connections. Staff are available to support - whether you need help with income assistance, access to food, or have any questions please reach out to us via:
Call us at 778-545-9188. We’ll get back to you within 48 hours.
Need urgent support? Please see crisis lines here.
Where are you located?
1845 154 Street, Surrey, BC.
We are located on the traditional and stolen lands of the Semiahma, and the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), and qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen) First Nations peoples, and we are grateful and committed to honouring the lands we are on that have been cared for by Indigenous people since time immemorial. Alex House is committed to unlearning colonizing principles and challenge oppressive systems in our work in community, with respect and gratitude to the original stewards of these lands.
We're in Bakerview Park, serving the youth of South Surrey / White Rock.
Is the Space accessible?
For folks with mobility aids, there is a ramp to enter and push buttons for the doors. In warmer months we leave the doors propped open. There are no stairs within the space.
We have gender neutral washrooms labelled by equipment (urinal, no urinal) and youth are welcome to use washrooms based on what they need. There are separate stalls located in each washroom that are accessible for folks with mobility aids.
The Youth Space is scent reduced, and nut allergy aware. We cannot guarantee the building will be free of scented products or nut products, but we encourage folks to be mindful of what they bring into the Space.
We are accessible by transit! The following route numbers will take you to us: 321, 350, 351, 345, 375, 394, and 531. There are paved pathways through Bakerview Park to the Youth Space but they are rather unkempt, so please take care heading our way. We can provide bus tickets to youth for a free, safe ride home.
Partial template is used with thanks from RAMP.
What does it mean to be youth led?
It means that if you're a youth you get to say what goes on here, but you're not alone. Adult staff are on hand to make sure you're safe and that you have the support that you need. If you have an idea for a club or a program or event we'll talk you through what you need + work with you to make sure you can make it a reality - but really it's up to you. Youth led means whatever you, the youth, decide it means.
Can I get support here?
Staff here work with you if you need any support with anything. We help with job searches, resume writing, housing searches, or any other things that you might need a hand with. You can check out our Get Support pages for more info. If you just need someone to listen we're here for that too.
Do you need immediate support, or are you in crisis? Please call emergency services - 911, or the Fraser Health Crisis Line: 1-877-820-7444. There are other helplines/crisis lines on this page.
Can I just show up?
For sure. Come by any time we're open.
For youth 12 years old or younger, we require a consent / emergency contact form from a caregiver or guardian in order to attend which can be found here. You can drop off this form during any of the Youth Space’s open hours, or email it to youthspace@alexhouse.net.
Check our social media for special events, outtrips or activities that may have a capacity limit or registration in advance.
Is there supervision?
Yes! We have experienced youth workers here as staff whenever we're open, at every program, workshop, or event.
Is it confidential?
We do our best to make sure everything is confidential. We will never post a photo of you or use your name without your consent.
We do our best to message about the values of the Space and sharing photos, but everything is open to all youth.
Adults who are not staff are only permitted to enter the space when invited by youth and we do our best to check in to make sure it's ok with the people inside.
Our staff do not share if specific youth have come to the Youth Space or when, unless we have discussed sharing this info beforehand with youth and their parent, guardian, or trusted adult.
The only time that our youth workers will break confidentiality is when safety concerns outweigh the right to privacy. So if a youth tells a staff that somebody under the age of 18 is being hurt by somebody else or that they are thinking about self-harm or harming others, we do not need consent to share that information with parents and other authorities.
Can adults come by?
Sometimes!
If dropping off a youth, please check in with staff before entering the space. When picking up someone, kindly knock and wait outside.
If invited by a youth, a supportive adult (over age 24, like a parent, guardian, coach or teacher) can come by for a quick tour and stay for around 15 minutes.
If you're interested in volunteering, contact us at youthspace@alexhouse.net, we might have some opportunities for you. We do require a Criminal Record check (free to you) and interview from any volunteer.
If you're a professional or service provider please contact us and we can chat about different opportunities for you to get involved. Any activities, programs or workshops will need to be approved by the Youth Collective, but we're happy to present it. We'd love to hear from you!
What are your COVID-19 protocols? (last edited Nov 2022)
General cleaning and disinfecting of the Youth Space (YS) occurs at least once a day.
Frequently-touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected at least twice a day (in between sessions and at the end of the day).
Youth and staff entering the Youth Space should self-screen themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 before entry.
If you have come in contact with COVID-19 in the past two weeks and/or are feeling sick, please visit us when you are feeling better!
Masks are no longer required throughout the Youth Space, but we encourage youth to wear what makes them feel comfortable and safe. Masks are required if cooking, baking, or serving food for others in our kitchen.