New Brunswick is expanding its youth service hubs and giving the network a new name. Formerly known as Integrated Youth Services, the province rebranded the initiative as Forge. Addiction and Mental Health Services Minister Rob McKee announced the changes Tuesday at the Teen Resource Centre right here in Saint John.

According to a report by CBC News, the Saint John location is one of three currently operational hubs in the province. The other two are the United Way of Southeastern New Brunswick in Moncton and Le Centre de Bénévolat in Caraquet.

What Forge Offers Youth

The Forge network provides a single access point for individuals aged 12 to 25. If you or someone you know needs help, these hubs offer mental health support, substance use treatment, primary care, social services, and peer support.

The goal is simple. Youth in need often struggle to find the right resources because they have to visit multiple agencies. Forge brings these organizations together under one roof.

Kristen Barnes serves as the provincial director for Youth Integrated Services. She notes that having all these organizations in one place allows them to share information efficiently.

“So when you sign the consent form, we’re able to share information as appropriate and needed with the other service providers,” Barnes said. “So even within one organization, if that capacity is not there, there are other organizations who would have the capacity to respond.”

Expansion on the Horizon

The provincial government is actively developing three additional hubs. McKee expects the Fredericton location to open by the end of October. Hubs in the First Nation communities of Elsipogtog and Neqotkuk will follow by the end of the calendar year.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick operates the service network. A $10 million federal funding injection made this expansion possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forge?

Forge is the new name for New Brunswick youth service hubs. These centres provide mental health, substance use, primary care, and social services to youth in a single location.

Who can use Forge services?

The hubs serve individuals between the ages of 12 and 25.

Where are the current Forge locations?

You can find operational hubs at the Teen Resource Centre in Saint John, the United Way of Southeastern New Brunswick in Moncton, and Le Centre de Bénévolat in Caraquet.

When will the new locations open?

The Fredericton hub opens by the end of October. Locations in Elsipogtog and Neqotkuk open by the end of the year.