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 |
|
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 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.