Nova Scotia opens two new integrated youth services sites

Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on June 30, 2020.

Nova Scotia has announced two new integrated youth services sites will open in Halifax and Sydney.

The sites will offer walk-in support for mental health and social services. Counselling, peer support, life skills groups and mental health and wellness services will be available to youth 12-25. They will also get help with employment, education and training.

“This is an exciting day. Youth in Halifax and Sydney now have more access to safe spaces where they can get the help and support they need,” said Brian Comer, minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “It’s important that young people and their families have a comfortable place to access services. These sites are run by people who care about their communities and who offer support without judgement. Improving access and removing barriers to these supports and services is one more way we’re strengthening universal access to mental healthcare for all Nova Scotians.”

Services vary across sites and are listed on their websites. The first site opened in April in Amherst.

The two new sites are located at:

• Anchor Youth Space Halifax, 2269 Gottingen St., led by YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
• Anchor Youth Space Sydney, 37 Nepean St., led by New Dawn Enterprises

Other community partners involved in the new sites include ONE North End, Hope Blooms and North End Community Health Centre in Halifax and Undercurrent Youth Society, Cape Breton Youth Project and BGC Cape Breton in Sydney.

Five more integrated youth services sites are set to open across the province by 2027. The other sites are planned for Bridgewater, Eskasoni, a second Halifax site, New Glasgow and Yarmouth.

The provincial government is spending $8.4 million over the next several years to set up the eight sites. The IWK Foundation has committed to raising $10 million.

“The strength of Anchor Youth Space Halifax lies in integration: provincial funding ensures sustainability, the IWK provides clinical excellence and our coalition partners bring the trust, connection and community delivery that make it possible,” said Brian Posavad, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. “The YMCA has a long and proud history of youth development in Nova Scotia, especially in Halifax’s north end, and we are committed to helping youth access deeper supports without barriers and reaching potential together.”

The sites are part of the province’s Action for Health plan to build universal access to mental health and addiction care to all Nova Scotians.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page