Anchor Youth Space Sydney is currently under construction and is set to open in June 2025.

The Anchor Sydney team has 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, we are creating Anchor Youth Space Sydney to be an inviting, relaxed, inclusive, safe place where youth feel at home and supported. Expect a calm, cozy space with plenty of comfortable furnishings, plants, and friendly faces.

The large multi-purpose area will be 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 will be 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 and more subdued lighting. An electric fireplace will set the chill vibe.

Other spaces will include a co-working and hammock space, a movement room, and a sensory room.

We can’t wait to cut the ribbon on this exciting addition to the community! Stay tuned for an announcement of our launch date and opening event!

Anchor Youth Space Sydnety 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 being developed at the New Dawn Centre, located at 37 Nepean Street, 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. These services include:

• Mental health and substance use support

• Primary healthcare and sexual health services

• Employment, education, and training supports

• Peer support programs

• Social services such as housing and income assistance

• Recreational and life skills programs

• Cultural and community services

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.

Amanda Rae Storteboom is the project manager for Anchor Youth Space Sydney. You can reach her at [email protected].