Nova Scotia Buzz
Nova Scotia is taking a step forward in addressing youth mental health and addictions challenges with an announcement by Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. Announced today in Stellarton, N.S., the Province is creating seven new Integrated Youth Services Sites. These youth mental health facilities are designed to offer comprehensive support under one roof, including counseling, peer support, primary healthcare, and employment, housing, and income assistance, all tailored to the needs of young Nova Scotians aged 12 – 25 and their families.
Minister Comer shared, “It can be hard for youth and caregivers to know where to turn when it comes to mental health and addictions issues. These new sites offer a clear path during what is already a difficult time.”
The initiative aims to simplify the process for young people and their caregivers seeking help, providing a straightforward and accessible route to a wide array of services and supports, located within their own communities.
Integrated Youth Services Sites, will be established in locations across the province, including Amherst, Bridgewater, New Glasgow, north-end Halifax, west-end Halifax, Sydney, and Eskasoni—the latter of which will also serve youth in six First Nation communities. The first facilities are expected to open in early 2025. The sites will be overseen by the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program and coordinated by community organizations.
“IWK Health is proud to be leading in partnership with communities in the development of Integrated Youth Services, a first of its kind for Nova Scotia.” said Krista Jangaard, CEO, IWK Health. “Working closely with community partners, youth and caregivers, together we’ll create services rooted in evidence, with research embedded to ensure we continue to adapt to meet the needs of youth, caregivers and families.”
Backing this initiative is a financial commitment, with the government allocating $8.4 million over the next several years for the setup of the eight Integrated Youth Services sites, including an additional site in western Nova Scotia to be announced. This funding is supplemented by an extra $10 million from philanthropic organizations, reflecting a strong community resolve to enhance mental health care services for the province’s youth.
Co-ordinating community organizations by site:
Amherst: YMCA of Cumberland, Maggie’s Place, In the Works, Cumberland County Transition House/Autumn House, Autism Nova Scotia, Cumberland Restorative Justice Society, Municipality of Cumberland County, Town of Amherst, Eating Disorders Nova Scotia
Bridgewater: YMCA Southwest Nova Scotia, John Howard Society of Nova Scotia, South Shore Sexual Health, Schools Plus, South Shore Open Doors Association
Eskasoni: Eskasoni Health Centre, Eskasoni Mental Health Services, Potlotek Health Centre, Wagmatcook Health Centre, Paqtnkek Health Centre, Membertou Health Centre, Waycobah Health Centre
West-end Halifax: YWCA Halifax, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Prescott Group Society, The Youth Project
North-end Halifax: Halifax YMCA, One North End, North End Community Health Centre, Hope Blooms
New Glasgow: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County, Pictou County Roots for Youth Society, John Howard Society of Nova Scotia-Northeastern Regional Office, Pictou County Community Health Centre, YMCA of Pictou County
Sydney: New Dawn Enterprises, Undercurrent Youth Society, Whitney Pier Youth Club, Cape Breton Youth Project Society
