Investments to Support Youth Mental Health

The government is investing $700,000 in mental wellness programs at seven youth centres across the province.

Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and Minister responsible for Youth, marked Mental Health Week and National Child and Youth Mental Health Day with the funding announcement today, May 6, at the Undercurrent Youth Centre in Glace Bay.

“Many of these centres serve as a lifeline to youth in the province,” said Minister Comer. “These centres and the programs they offer help youth overcome challenges, which we know have been compounded by the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. It’s important that we, as a government, be there to support this great work and the youth who benefit from it, especially in a time when fundraising has been challenging.”

The centres are receiving a one-time investment to support programming for at-risk youth, including youth experiencing homelessness.

Recipients of the funding are:

• Undercurrent Youth Centre, Glace Bay
• The Portal Youth Outreach Association, Kentville
• Pictou County Roots for Youth, New Glasgow
• LOVE Nova Scotia, Halifax, Sipekne’katik, Membertou
• Supporting Housing Youth Focus Team (SHYFT), Yarmouth
• BGC Cape Breton, Sydney
• Clifford Street Youth Centre, North Sydney.

The centres each provide a range of programs including creative expression, healthy relationships and group discussion, and supports such as temporary housing, harm reduction and employment support.

Quotes:

“Having safe space, positive mentors, healthy activities and a community of friends are all part of creating a thriving community for youth. For some youth there may be one, or many, of these pieces missing. Our centres, and many others across the province, are filling in the gaps by addressing poverty and stigma and giving value and opportunity to every young person that walks in our doors. In this way we are all part of creating a better future for thousands of young people and families.”

– David Sawler, Director and founder, Undercurrent Youth Centre

Quick Facts:

• National Mental Health Week, May 2 to May 8, is intended to promote mental wellness and enhance an understanding of mental illness in an effort to help combat stigma
• Child and Youth Mental Health Day, May 7, is an annual event that promotes the importance of positive mental health in young people

Additional Resources:

Province of Nova Scotia mental health and addictions programs and services: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/

Nova Scotia Health Authority mental health and addictions services: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en

IWK Health Centre mental health and addictions services: https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health