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Morgan Garnhum, an advocate for youth in Bridgewater, shares his personal story during the Integrated Youth Services announcement in Stellarton today, April 10. (Communications Nova Scotia)
Young Nova Scotians and their families will soon have easier access to mental health and addictions services and related supports in their communities.
Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, announced the locations of seven new Integrated Youth Services sites … each offering multiple services; which can include counselling and peer support, primary healthcare, employment and training supports, and social services such as housing and income assistance support.
“It can be hard for youth and caregivers to know where to turn when it comes to mental health and addictions issues,” said Minister Comer.
“These new sites offer a clear path during what is already a difficult time. When a young person walks through the doors of an Integrated Youth Services site, they and their caregivers are immediately connected with the services and supports they need – all under one roof and close to home.”
Integrated Youth Services – co-ordinated by community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments – helps youth aged 12 to 25 through in-person, outreach and virtual services.
Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia, Yvonne Smith, says the YMCA is proud to partner in the Integrated Youth Services (IYS) movement, and work with the IWK, our IYS coalition partners and directly with youth and their caregivers to improve outcomes for Nova Scotian youths.
As a charity that ignites the potential in people, the YMCA prides itself on providing a safe space where everyone feels a valued member of their community. For decades, the YMCA has been a place that fosters – and advocates for – youth empowerment and youth mental health and wellbeing in Nova Scotia.
Integrated Youth Services – co-ordinated by community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments – helps youth aged 12 to 25 through in-person, outreach and virtual services.
The government is investing $8.4 million over the next several years to set up eight Integrated Youth Services sites, including a site in western Nova Scotia to be announced later. The IWK Foundation, Medavie Foundation, the Bell-Graham Boeckh Foundation Partnership and other philanthropic partners have committed an additional $10 million. Integrated Youth Services has been identified as a solution in Action for Health, the Province’s plan to improve healthcare, and is an important part of the government’s commitment to universal mental health and addictions care for all Nova Scotians.
I can’t think of one friend who hasn’t struggled at one point in their lives with a mental health issue. It seems youth are more and more affected by mental health issues these days, which can create a slippery slope towards formulating unhealthy addictions. Whether that be substance, or a different type of addiction entirely, it is common to turn mental struggles into obsession over something that will make us feel relief momentarily. I hope to be a part of a safe haven that is formulated to help youth through dark times. I hope to be a part of the solution.
More Mental Health, Addictions Support for Youth, Caregivers:
https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/06/15/more-mental-health-addictions-support-youth-caregivers-0
IWK Health’s overview of Integrated Youth Services: https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/iys Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
Mandate letter for the Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-CNS-AMH-Youth.pdf
Our purpose is to help individuals grow in spirit, mind, and body through a supportive network, and we work hard to make sure that money is not a barrier for anyone to join us. Through charitable donations, fundraising, and other sources, the YMCA of Southwest NS is able to offer assistance so anyone in our community can participate in YMCA programs. Need help getting started, or have questions? Come see your Membership Staff at the Lunenburg County YMCA!
*Site selection is currently underway, and the first sites are expected to open in early 2025, with the others opening over the next few years.
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
YMCA Southwest Nova Scotia, John Howard Society of Nova Scotia, South Shore Sexual Health, South Shore Open Doors Association, Liz McCurdy Therapeutic Art, Compassionate Connections Therapeutic & Consulting Services, SchoolsPlus Regional Centre for Education
Eskasoni Health Centre, Eskasoni Mental Health Services, Potlotek Health Centre, Wagmatcook Health Centre, Paqtnkek Health Centre, Membertou Health Centre, Waycobah Health Centre
YWCA Halifax, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, Prescott Group Society, The Youth Project
Halifax YMCA, One North End, North End Community Health Centre, Hope Blooms
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
New Dawn Enterprises, Undercurrent Youth Society, Whitney Pier Youth Club, Cape Breton Youth Project Society
For Media Inquiries:
Bronté James
Director of Funds Development and Community Relations
YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia
(902) 534-9622
About YMCA of Your Associate Name
The YMCA is a charity igniting the potential in people. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in welcoming spaces that are both nurturing and fun – a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families can thrive.