Young people and those who support them now have increased access to immediate mental health and social services in Cumberland County.
The first Integrated Youth Services (IYS) site in the province is now open in Amherst, N.S.
The new site – called Anchor Youth Space Cumberland – is located at 13 West Pleasant St. in a newly renovated building. The one-stop hub offers free walk-in support with no referral necessary to youth aged 12 to 25 and their caregivers.
Services will include mental health and substance use support such as counselling and peer supports; employment and training supports; and social services such as help with housing and income assistance.
Community organizations will deliver the on-site services, with IWK Health providing leadership and oversight.
“IWK Health is proud to have supported the development of Anchor Youth Space Cumberland,” says Dr. Krista Jangaard, IWK Health CEO. “Having this wonderful site in which to work closely with community partners, youth and caregivers, will ensure that together we can deliver services rooted in evidence and adapt to meet the needs of youth, caregivers and families.”
“The launch of the first Integrated Youth Services site in Amherst represents a key milestone, marking the initial step in creating a seamless continuum of care that connects community-based services with the formal health system.” LeeAnn Larocque, IWK Health Clinical Care Acting Vice-President. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with our community partners to make the journey smoother for patients and their families.”
The YMCA of Cumberland is leading the initiative with partners Maggie’s Place, In the Works, Cumberland County Transition House/Autumn House, Autism Nova Scotia, Cumberland Restorative Justice Society, Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, the Municipality of Cumberland County and the Town of Amherst.
“The YMCA is so proud to be the lead agency in Cumberland County for Anchor Youth Space. We have always worked in collaboration with local organizations to help connect community members with the right supports and services. Now, with the help of the IWK, IWK Foundation, and the provincial government, we have the resources to formalize these partnerships and truly create a service hub for local youth,” says Trina Clarke, YMCA of Cumberland CEO. “This beautiful space will be transformational for young people in our community.”
Young people like Sophie Mack, a member of the Anchor Youth Space Cumberland Youth Advisory Council.
"It only took me a few hours of being in the space for it to feel like home. I cannot describe how important that feeling can be to someone,” Mack says. “When you’re a person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, it can be hard to feel safe anywhere, and it only took me a few hours to be able to let down my guard."
“Having services under one roof and staff being connected will create a space for growth and support like never before,” says Anchor Youth Space Cumberland Caregiver Advisory Council member Elaine Mazur. “This is a place for youth to feel safe, accepted and supported.”
Anchor Youth Space Cumberland is just the beginning: seven more IYS sites will open across the province in Bridgewater, Eskasoni, New Glasgow, Sydney, Yarmouth, and two locations in Halifax.
The government is investing $8.4 million over the next several years to set up the eight sites. The IWK Foundation, with its national and local philanthropic partners, has committed to raising an additional $10 million.
“Together with our generous community of donors, the IWK Foundation is committed to changing the course of mental health and addictions care for children and youth,” says Jennifer Gillivan, IWK Foundation President & CEO. “The opening of the first site, Anchor Youth Space Cumberland, is an essential step forward to removing barriers and improving access to mental health and wellness services for our region’s most vulnerable children, youth and families.”
The IYS model of care is a best-practice approach nationally and internationally. It started in Australia, and today there are IYS programs in several countries around the world.