Anchor Youth Space Sydney is a safe, welcoming space where youth aged 12-25 and their caregivers can access mental health and wellness services and supports.
Services include:
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Walk-in support – no referral needed
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Counselling, peer support, outreach and structured programming for youth and caregivers
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A safe and welcoming space to connect with peers and support
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Group programming (i.e. recreational, caregiver groups, life skills groups, yoga classes, discussion sessions, cooking classes, art classes/sessions, resume building, etc.).
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Primary healthcare and sexual health services
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Employment, education and training supports
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Help with life skills, housing, mental and addictions support and services & more
Anchor Youth Space Sydney is more than a space, it is a community — built by youth, for youth, it’s a hub for connection, support, and creativity where your ideas and your voice matter. It’s a place to make new friends, try new things, and discover your strengths and your talents.
THE SPACE
The Anchor Sydney team worked with a Youth Advisory Committee and a Caregivers Advisory Committee to design the physical space and services to meet the needs of the community. The engagement process included the creation of mood boards and 3-D models to visually represent the vision for the space. Participants were asked to think about how they would like the space to feel, to sound, to smell, to taste, and to look.
From this feedback, Anchor Youth Space Sydney was created to be an inviting, relaxed, inclusive, safe place where youth feel at home and supported. When you visit, expect a calm, cozy space with plenty of comfortable furnishings, plants, and friendly faces.
The large multi-purpose area is perfect for socializing and group activities while a smaller group room will host movie nights, board games, and cozy conversation. The teaching kitchen and dining area is the spot for shared meals and a source of snacks and the smell of baked goods. The Zen Den is for relaxing with low, squishy seating, more subdued lighting, and an electric fireplace setting a chill vibe.
Other spaces include a co-working and hammock space, a movement room, and a sensory room.
INTEGRATED YOUTH SERVICES
Anchor Youth Space Sydney is part of a provincial Integrated Youth Services (IYS) initiative designed to provide community-based programming, resources, and services to support youth aged 12 to 25.
The Sydney site is located at the New Dawn Centre, located at 37 Nepean Street, and was developed in collaboration with local organizations including Undercurrent Youth Society, BGC Cape Breton, and the Cape Breton Youth Project.
The IYS model aims to offer a “one-stop shop” where youth and their caregivers can access a range of services without the need for appointments or fees. Each IYS site is developed with significant input from youth and caregivers to ensure the services meet local needs.
This initiative is supported by the provincial government and IWK Health.
For more information you can visit the IYS Nova Scotia website.