Programs in Nova Scotia

A comprehensive chart of programs in Nova Scotia (NS) that offer opportunities for youth to explore careers in emergency services and related fields. This version includes emergency shelters, mental health support, and other categories that were not initially listed. The chart includes program types, eligibility criteria, and contact information, including email addresses.

Program/Organization

Program Type

Age Range

Eligibility

Contact Information

Army, Navy, and Air Cadets

Leadership, Teamwork, Outdoor Adventure, Life Skills

12-18 years

Open to all youth

Join Cadets

RCMP Youth Engagement Programs

Law Enforcement, Leadership

Typically 13-18 years

Open to all youth; specific criteria may apply

Contact local RCMP detachment for details RCMP Youth Programs

St. John Ambulance Youth Programs

First Aid, Community Service, Leadership

Typically 6-18 years

Open to all youth

Contact local St. John Ambulance branch St. John Ambulance Youth Programs

Canadian Red Cross Youth Programs

Emergency Response, First Aid, Community Engagement

All ages; specific roles for youth

Open to all youth

Contact local Red Cross branch Canadian Red Cross Youth

Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) Youth Programs

Search & Rescue, Emergency Services

Varies

Open to all youth

Contact local SARVAC affiliate SARVAC

Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Programs

Maritime Rescue, Marine Operations

Varies

Open to all youth; specific criteria may apply

Contact local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary

Junior Firefighter Programs (varies by location)

Firefighting, Community Engagement

Varies (often 14-18 years)

Contact local fire department

Contact local Halifax Fire Department

City Youth Police Programs (varies by location)

Policing, Community Leadership

Varies

Contact local police department

Contact local Halifax Police

RCMP Auxiliary Program

Community Policing, Support Role

19+ years

Open to adults; specific criteria apply

Contact local RCMP detachment RCMP Auxiliary Program

YES (Youth Engagement Services)

Financial Aid, Life Skills, Transition Support

16-18 years

Nova Scotia residents for at least three months; Canadian citizens or permanent residents; unmarried and not in a common-law relationship

Youth Engagement Services (YES)

Youth Emergency Shelters (Various Locations)

Emergency Shelter, Crisis Intervention

15-18 years

Youth experiencing housing instability or unsafe environments

Contact local youth shelter or provincial social services Youth Shelters in NS

Phoenix Youth Programs

Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Support Services

16-24 years

Youth experiencing homelessness, at risk, or needing transitional support

Email: info@phoenixyouth.ca Phoenix Youth

Crisis Text Line (Mental Health Support)

Mental Health Support, Crisis Intervention

All ages

Open to all youth and adults

Text “HOME” to 686868 for mental health support Crisis Text Line

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS)

Mental Health, Crisis Response

All ages

Open to all youth and adults in crisis

Phone: 1-888-429-8167 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team

LOVE Nova Scotia (Leave Out Violence NS)

Violence Prevention, Leadership, Youth Development

14-18 years

Youth who have experienced violence or are at risk of violence

Email: info@lovens.ca LOVE NS

CHOICES (Addiction Support for Youth)

Addiction Support, Counselling, Mental Health

Youth under 19

Youth dealing with substance use or addiction issues

Contact IWK Health Centre for details CHOICES Program

Youth Transitions Program (Province-wide)

Life Skills, Employment Support, Education Support

16-18 years

Youth in care or youth transitioning out of care

Contact Nova Scotia Department of Community Services Youth Transitions Program

Operation Come Home (Remote for NS Youth)

Education, Employment, Housing

16-25 years

Youth experiencing homelessness or those seeking education and employment

Email: info@operationcomehome.ca Operation Come Home

Key Highlights:

  • Emergency Services Careers: Programs like Cadets, RCMP Youth Engagement, Junior Firefighter, and SARVAC provide youth with hands-on experience and career pathways in emergency services.
  • Shelter & Support Services: Programs like Phoenix Youth and YES (Youth Engagement Services) offer critical shelter, housing, and transitional support for youth experiencing crisis or homelessness.
  • Mental Health & Crisis Response: Crisis Text Line, Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team, and LOVE Nova Scotia offer mental health and crisis support to youth.
  • Violence Prevention & Addiction Support: Programs like LOVE Nova Scotia, CHOICES, and WAVAW provide specialized support and counselling for youth dealing with addiction, substance use, and exposure to violence.
  • Financial & Transitional Support: Programs like YES (Youth Engagement Services) and the Youth Transitions Program help youth transition to independent living, providing financial aid, employment training, and life skills.