The second and third of eight planned Integrated Youth Services (IYS) sites across Nova Scotia are now open, providing immediate mental health and social services to young people living in Halifax and Sydney.
The IYS sites offer walk-in support to youth aged 12 to 25, including counselling, peer support, life skills groups, mental health and wellness supports, and help with employment, education and training.
The new sites are Anchor Youth Space Halifax located at the Community YMCA (2269 Gottingen Street, Halifax) and Anchor Youth Space Sydney, located at the New Dawn Centre (37 Nepean Street, Sydney). YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and New Dawn Enterprises are the lead organizations for the two IYS sites.
“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,” said Brian Posavad, YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth President and CEO.
“The response to the opening of Anchor Youth Space Sydney has been a mixture of joy, excitement and relief from young people, their caregivers and the community–a confirmation over the last year that these services are so needed here,” Erika Shea, New Dawn Enterprises President and CEO, said. “Providing community based mental health programs for youth and normalizing mental health services as part of the backdrop of everyday life will change and save lives.”
Community organizations will deliver the services at each site in partnership with other youth-focused organizations, with IWK Health providing leadership and oversight.
“The IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program is proud to be a key partner in the transformational Integrated Youth Services initiative,” said Maureen Brennan, IWK Health Mental Health and Addictions Program Director. “We deeply value the collaboration, expertise, and commitment of our community organizations, government partners, youth, and philanthropic supporters.”
Other community partners 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.
“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 Posavad.
“The efforts of coalition partners, community partners, youth and caregiver advisors, New Dawn and the IWK to bring Anchor Youth Space Sydney into being reflect a community that cares deeply for its young people,” added Shea.
“Anchor Youth Space Nova Scotia is built on a model that reimagines how we work together, by breaking down barriers, co-designing with youth, and creating connected, forward-thinking solutions that respond to the evolving needs of young people,” said Brennan. “This initiative reflects a holistic and proactive approach to youth wellness that places young people at the centre and empowers communities to deliver care that is accessible, inclusive, and impactful.”
The provincial government is investing $8.4 million over the next several years to set up the eight IYS sites across Nova Scotia. The IWK Foundation, with its national and local philanthropic partners, has committed to raising an additional $10 million.
“The IWK Foundation is proud to join national and local partners to support the creation of Anchor Youth Spaces across Nova Scotia. Together with our generous community of donors, we are committed to changing the course of mental health and addictions care for children and youth throughout the Maritimes,” said Jennifer Gillivan, IWK Foundation President and CEO. “This is a pivotal step forward in breaking down long-standing barriers and ensuring that mental health and wellness services are accessible to the children, youth and families in our region who need them most.”
“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.”
Anchor Youth Space Cumberland in Amherst was the first IYS site to open in April. The site is led by YMCA of Cumberland, and the positive community impact has been felt over a few short months.
“The Anchor Youth Space has helped me a lot. When I have no food at home, I know I can go to Anchor,” said a client, age 24. “It’s the only safe place that I come to. I’m becoming more social, and their wellness program helps me to exercise.”
Five more Integrated Youth Services sites are planned to open across the province: Bridgewater, Eskasoni, New Glasgow, Yarmouth and a second site in Halifax.