Youth facilities in Nova Scotia expand with the introduction of two new integrated youth service locations

In a bid to bolster support for youth in Nova Scotia, the provincial government has announced the opening of two new integrated youth services sites in Halifax and Sydney. The first site, which opened in April in Amherst, is part of a larger initiative to establish eight such sites across the province.

The Halifax site, located at 2269 Gottingen St., is spearheaded by the YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. Community partners involved in this project include ONE North End, Hope Blooms, and the North End Community Health Centre.

The provincial government is investing $8.4 million over several years to set up these sites. In addition, the IWK Foundation has pledged to raise $10 million for the sites. The Anchor Youth Space Sydney, led by New Dawn Enterprises, will be located at 37 Nepean St.

These sites offer a comprehensive range of services for young people, including counselling, peer support, life skills groups, mental health and wellness services, help with employment, education, and training. These services vary across sites and can be found on their respective websites.

The aim of these sites is to provide youth with deeper supports without barriers. They will also offer walk-in support for mental health and social services. Notably, counselling, peer support, life skills groups, and mental health and wellness services will be available to youth aged 12-15.

The sites in Halifax and Sydney are not the only ones planned. The other five sites are set to open in Bridgewater, Eskasoni, a second Halifax site, New Glasgow, and Yarmouth. These sites are part of the province's Action for Health plan to build universal access to mental health and addiction care.

While specific details about the five remaining integrated youth services sites, including the participating organisations, are yet to be disclosed, the Department of Community Services, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and numerous charitable organisations throughout Nova Scotia are known to be involved in youth services and their integration.

For more precise information about the organisations involved in the planned integrated youth services sites, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Government of Nova Scotia or relevant local organisations.

Youth facilities in Nova Scotia expand with the introduction of two new integrated youth service locations