Mental health literacy is the knowledge and understanding that helps us recognize when someone may be experiencing low mental health — and know how to respond.
We’re proud to support projects like Nova Scotia Community Living Organizations’ Building Community Capacity in Disability Supports: NSCLO ASIST through our Community Grants. This project is bringing suicide intervention training to disability support workers across the province, recognizing the critical role frontline staff play in identifying and responding to the increasing mental health needs of individuals with disabilities.
Training has been hosted in Cape Breton and New Glasgow, with future sessions planned for Kentville and HRM.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience higher rates of mental distress and social isolation, as well as barriers to accessing mental health supports. Disability support workers are often the first to notice changes in behaviour, mood or functioning.
During Suicide Prevention Month, this reflection from one program participant is an important reminder of why building this knowledge and capacity matters:
“Suicide is something close to [me] and I wish I had known what I know now back then.”
Together, we’re increasing the capacity of communities to keep each other safe.
As a donor, your support helps build stronger, safer communities across Nova Scotia. By giving to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, you help fund local projects that give people the knowledge and tools to support one another.
