When was the last time someone told you that you mattered? Not because of what you accomplished, but simply because you are enough?
For many African Nova Scotian youth, mental health begins long before a diagnosis. It begins with questions like, Do I belong? Am I good enough? Can someone who looks like me become a leader?
Those questions inspired the Self Love African NS Youth Mental Health Program, made possible through funding from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Over eight weeks, 20 young people came together to explore confidence, identity, healthy relationships and emotional well-being. More importantly, they found something many had been missing: a place where they felt seen, heard and celebrated.
Some participants stayed after each session because someone was finally listening. Others found the confidence to speak up for the first time. Together, they built friendships rooted in encouragement, understanding and belonging.
Reflecting on the program at the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting, Charnell Colley, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Preston, shared one of its most powerful lessons:
“When a young person learns to love who they are, they begin believing in who they can become.”
By the final celebration, the transformation was impossible to miss. Participants walked into the room with greater confidence, stronger voices and a renewed belief in themselves.
As Charnell reminded those in attendance, that transformation didn’t happen by chance.
“They believed in themselves. And that’s because someone believed in them first. That someone was the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.”
Because of donor support, the Foundation didn’t simply fund eight weeks of programming. It helped create a space where young people could discover their strengths, build meaningful connections and see new possibilities for their futures.
When young people believe in themselves, the impact reaches far beyond the individual. It strengthens families, communities and, ultimately, our province.
Community-led mental health programs like this are only possible because of donor support. If you’d like to help more Nova Scotians access programs that foster confidence, connection and hope, please consider making a donation today. Together, we’re creating brighter days and helping more people find light in life’s darker moments.
