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The province of Nova Scotia unveiled plans to open seven new Integrated Youth Services sites which offer comprehensive mental health and addiction support under one roof for people aged 12 to 25.

Each site will offer 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 of Addictions and Mental Health Brian 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.”

The new sites are going to be in Amherst, Bridgewater, New Glasgow, north-end Halifax, west-end Halifax, Sydney and Eskasoni. Specifics on where in each of the communities the sites will be going were not available at the time of the announcement.

The sites will offer varying services coordinated by local community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments. Below is a list of each of the community partners that will be participating at each respective 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

The province is also planning to announce another eighth site in the Western region at a later date. In total, they have budgeted $8.4 million for the eight sites, while the IWK Foundation, Medavie Foundation, the Bell-Graham Boeckh Foundation Partnership and other philanthropic partners have committed an additional $10 million.