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STELLARTON:<\/strong> Young Nova Scotians and their families will soon have easier access to mental health and addictions services and related supports in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, announced the locations of seven new Integrated Youth Services sites April 10, in Stellarton, Pictou County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each will offer multiple services, whichcan include counselling and peer support, primary healthcare, employment and training supports, and social services such as housing and income assistance support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt can be hard for youth and caregivers to know where to turn when it comes to mental health and addictions issues,\u201d said Minister Comer. \u201cThese new sites offer a clear path during what is already a difficult time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “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 \u2013 all under one roof and close to home.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”34″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”210″] 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The IWK Foundation, Medavie Foundation, the Bell-Graham Boeckh Foundation Partnership and other philanthropic partners have committed an additional $10 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate group=”6″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”31″] “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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “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.\u201d\u00a0 ADVERTISEMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”192″]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [adrotate banner=”206″]
Integrated Youth Services \u2013 co-ordinated by community organizations with oversight from the IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program, in partnership with several government departments \u2013 helps youth aged 12 to 25 through in-person, outreach and virtual services.
The new sites will be in Amherst, Bridgewater, New Glasgow, north-end Halifax, west-end Halifax, Sydney, and Eskasoni, \u00adwhich will serve youth in six First Nation communities.
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Integrated Youth Services has been identified as a solution in Action for Health, the Province\u2019s plan to improve healthcare, and is an important part of the government\u2019s commitment to universal mental health and addictions care for all Nova Scotians.
Quotes:
<\/strong>\u201cI can\u2019t think of one of my friends who has not struggled at one point in their lives with a mental health issue. It seems that youth are more and more affected by mental health issues these days, which can create a slippery slope towards formulating unhealthy addictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Paige Carvery, Integrated Youth Services Provincial Youth Advisory Committee<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>\u201cIntegrated youth mental health and addiction services in rural areas offer caregivers vital support where it’s needed most, easing their burden and fostering stronger, healthier communities by ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.\u201d\u00a0
\u2014 Julie Bibby-MacNabb, Integrated Youth Services Provincial Family\/Caregiver Advisory Committee
<\/em>\u201cIWK 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n