Youth Say Centres Provide Critical Support

When life's challenges present themselves, it can be difficult for youth to know where to turn for help.

Youth Health Centres in Nova Scotia are one option and an evaluation report released today, June 2, shows these centres are providing much needed support to youth. Youth surveyed say the centres are a place where they feel safe, secure and can have their issues and concerns addressed in a respectful and confidential manner.

"We cannot underestimate the positive impact these centres have on the lives of our youth," said Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "Investments that support youth have a ripple effect on families, schools and communities. Youth Health Centres truly make life better for families in every region."

The centres are focused on youth involvement and engagement, health promotion and clinical services, community development and partnership, and also reach out to engage diverse or marginalized youth. Through these centres, youth have access to youth-centred services in 52 schools and communities across Nova Scotia.

Grade 12 student Chrissy Maine leads the Youth Advisory Committee that governs the Youth Health Centre at Springhill Junior/Senior High School. Ms. Maine said since she became involved with the Youth Health Centre, she wonders about the what ifs.

"What if our school didn't have a Youth Health Centre? What if experienced professionals weren't so easily accessible and willing to listen?" said Ms. Maine. "Students are afraid to go to hospitals and counselling, especially in such a small town where everyone knows everyone. This sadly makes us put our health at the bottom of our lists."

The provincewide evaluation measured the impact Youth Health Centres have on the health of youth, and examined how the centres engage diverse or marginalized youth in their programs and services. The evaluation revealed that Youth Health Centres:

• provide youth with access to health services
• impact personal health practices and coping skills
• create supportive social environments and support networks
• reach and engage diverse and/or marginalized youth
• work with partners for change to support diverse and/or marginalized youth

"More than 86 per cent of youth in schools with Youth Health Centres are aware of them, and more than half of them have accessed them," said Ms. MacDonald. "That alone shows these centres are an important resource for youth in our communities."

A copy of the evaluation is available on the Department of Health Promotion and Protection website at http://gov.ns.ca/hpp/publications/HD-Youth Health Centres in NS - Evaluation 2009.pdf .