First Integrated Youth Services Site Opens

Youth aged 12 to 25 and those who support them now have more access to immediate mental health and social services in Cumberland County.

The first of eight integrated youth services (IYS) sites in the province is now open in Amherst, providing young people living in the area with health and social services – including counselling, peer support and help with housing – in one location.

“This is what building universal access to mental healthcare looks like. It’s more access to more services for more people,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “I’m proud of the work being done in the public health system, with private providers, in post-secondary education facilities and at the community level to make universal access a reality in this province. The new IYS site in Amherst is one more way Nova Scotians can access care, at no cost, with walk-in services close to home.”

The new site – called Anchor Youth Space Cumberland – is located at a newly renovated building at 13 West Pleasant St.

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 government is investing $8.4 million over the next several years to set up the eight sites. Philanthropic partners have committed an additional $10 million.

Community organizations will deliver the services at each site, with IWK Health providing leadership and oversight. 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.

Integrated youth services has been identified as a solution in Action for Health, the Province’s plan to improve healthcare, and another way the Province is working to deliver universal access to mental health and addiction care to all Nova Scotians.

Quotes:

“Having services under one roof and staff being connected will create a space for growth and support like never before. This is a place for youth to feel safe, accepted and supported. We did it!”
— Elaine Mazur, caregiver advisory council member, Anchor Youth Space Cumberland

“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. 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.”
— Sophie Mack, youth advisory council member, Anchor Youth Space Cumberland

“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 youth in Cumberland County. This beautiful space will be transformational for young people in our community. By providing a safe space, supportive relationships and easy access to services, our team stands ready to help youth overcome barriers and develop the skills, resilience and positive sense of self that are needed to truly shine.”
— Trina Clarke, CEO, YMCA of Cumberland

“Our support brings more than just funding — it brings hope. It brings belief. It brings the courage to stand with our youth and help rewrite the story of mental health and addictions care. Like all the philanthropy partners, we are deeply committed to changing the course of mental health for our children and youth. And today marks another milestone in improving access to care and connection in our communities.”
— Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Let’s Talk, national philanthropic partner

Quick Facts:

• Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to commit to universal access to mental healthcare in 2021; universal access means Nova Scotians have access to a variety of care services, information and resources, regardless of their ability to pay
• there are seven other IYS sites planned to open across the province, in Bridgewater, Eskasoni (serving youth from six Mi’kmaw communities), Halifax (two sites), New Glasgow, Sydney and Yarmouth
• the IYS model in Nova Scotia was co-designed with lead agencies, community organizations, youth and caregivers, and is constantly evolving
• the IYS model of care is a best-practice approach nationally and internationally
• Anchor Youth Space Cumberland is located in the former Scotsburn Dairy building

Additional Resources:

Anchor Youth Space Cumberland: https://iwkhealth.ca/anchor

News release – New Integrated Youth Services Coming to Yarmouth: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/01/24/new-integrated-youth-services-coming-yarmouth

News release – Youth Mental Health Sites Announced: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/04/10/youth-mental-health-sites-announced

Action for Health: https://actionforhealth.novascotia.ca/