Young people in Cumberland County now have a new place to turn for mental health support—no referrals and no barriers.
Nova Scotia’s first Integrated Youth Services (IYS) site is now open in Amherst. Known as Anchor Youth Space Cumberland, the centre offers youth aged 12 to 25 access to immediate mental health and social services—all in one welcoming location.
From walk-in counselling and peer support to help with housing, employment, and substance use, the Amherst site is designed to meet young people where they are, offering holistic, accessible care under one roof.
“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.”
Located at 13 West Pleasant Street in a newly renovated space, Anchor Youth Space Cumberland is the first of eight IYS sites the province plans to open across Nova Scotia.
This project is being led locally by the YMCA of Cumberland in collaboration with trusted community partners, including:
- 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
- The Town of Amherst
To bring these services to life, the Province is investing $8.4 million over the coming years, with an additional $10 million committed by philanthropic partners.
Each site will be community-driven and offer tailored support ranging from mental health counselling and addiction services to income assistance, job training, and peer-led supports. Oversight and coordination will be provided by IWK Health, ensuring consistency and quality of care across the province.
The rollout of Integrated Youth Services is part of Action for Health, our PC government’s long-term strategy to improve healthcare. These new centres represent a significant step forward in the journey toward universal access to mental health and addiction services for all Nova Scotians.