Frequently Asked Questions
Forge is a network of free youth wellness spaces where New Brunswick youth aged 12–25 can get mental health, substance use, primary care, and social support. In a Forge space, through mobile services, or in the community, whichever works for them.
Yes. Forge was formerly known as NB-IYS (New Brunswick Integrated Youth Services). The name has changed as part of our brand launch, but the hubs, services, and mission are the same.
To forge means to create, develop, or shape something new. It reflects what we hope Forge will be for young people: a place where new skills, connections, and futures are built. It’s also a name that reads and sounds the same in English and French. Neqotkuk hub will use Mawi ‘leka’temk (Mi’kmaq) “We work together to lay out a plan.”
Elsipogtog hub will use Piluwawtuwicik (Wolastoqey) “Those making and following newer pathways in life.”
Forge is built on national and international Integrated Youth Services (IYS) best practices and is supported by the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Health, alongside other funding partners including the Graham Boeckh Foundation, Medavie, RBC, McConnell Foundation, Green Shield Canada, Skyline, Co-operators, and Health Canada. They hold a research partnership with Interdisciplinary Research Chair in Mental Health of Children & Young People, Université de Moncton.
Yes. Forge is for youth, by youth. As New Brunswick’s Integrated Youth Services network, we work directly with young people from across the province to shape what Forge offers and how it works.
Many young people in New Brunswick face disconnected systems, long waits, travel barriers, and the challenge of navigating support alone — especially in rural and underserved communities. 70% of mental illnesses emerge during adolescence, and over 75% before age 25, which is why earlier, easier access to coordinated support matters so much. Forge brings these services together so youth can get help earlier, more easily, and without navigating it alone.
No. Forge supports the full range of youth needs from mental health and substance use to primary care, peer support, and general wellness. Whether you’re in crisis, looking for ongoing support, or just want somewhere to connect and drop in, there is a place for you.
Every young person in New Brunswick aged 12 to 25. There’s no referral needed. However you arrive, you’ll be connected to the right support. Whether you connect in person, by phone, virtually, or through mobile services, our team will help connect you to the right support.
Mental health and substance use services, primary and sexual health care, social services, peer support, family support, employment and education support, cultural services, and recreational and drop-in programming.
No. Forge is designed so young people can get connected to support they want or need without needing a referral first.
Yes, all Forge programs and services are free.
No. Mental health and substance use support are one of the pillars for youth integrated service models such as Forge, but we also connect youth with primary care, sexual health care, social services, family support, and more. Forge is a holistic model of care, recognizing that all aspects of a youth’s life contribute to their wellbeing. Employment, education, social interaction, recreation, and artistic exploration are all part of forging a future built on individual strengths and needs.
No, appointments aren’t necessary. You can stop in during open hours, give us a call, or send an email—we’re here to connect in any way that suits your needs.
Forge hubs are open now in Moncton, Saint John, and Acadian Peninsula. Hubs are in development in Fredericton, Elsipogtog, and Neqotkuk, with more communities to follow as the network grows.
Over the next 6-12 months, Forge will be expanding mobile mental health and peer support services, along with virtual options, so more communities across the province can connect with Forge without needing to travel to a hub.