May 4, 2026
To kick off Mental Health Week, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is thrilled to announce that Let’s Keep Talking 2026 will take place on Tuesday, October 6 from 6–8pm, featuring keynote speaker Karen Furneaux.
Presented by Bell Let’s Talk, Let’s Keep Talking is a free public event created to educate, inspire, and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Nova Scotians who live with mental illness or addiction, or support those who do. The event brings our community together to share stories, foster understanding, and highlight the power of connection in improving mental wellness.
This year, we are proud to welcome Olympian Karen Furneaux — a three-time Olympian and two-time World Champion in sprint kayaking, with ten career world championship medals. She is also the author of Strong Beauty: Power Up the Champion Within, a book focused on building resilience and confidence, and has been named one of the top fifteen most successful athletes in Nova Scotia sport history.
Beyond her accomplishments in sport, Karen is a passionate mental health advocate who shares her story to raise awareness and challenge stigma. Her message of being BRAVE speaks to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming challenges, and she continues to highlight the powerful connection between movement and mental health.
Karen also served as the 2026 ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Body Movin’ campaign — a month-long challenge that encourages people across the province to get active in ways that support their mental wellness. Her leadership and lived experience bring a meaningful perspective to the role, reinforcing the importance of movement, connection, and community in mental health.
Let’s Keep Talking will also recognize inspiring Nova Scotians through the Let’s Keep Talking Awards. These awards celebrate individuals who are making a difference in mental health and addictions — whether through lived experience, advocacy, or supporting others in their community.
Know someone who inspires you?
Nominate them for a Let’s Keep Talking Award today.
Nominations and registration are now open:
https://mentalhealthns.ca/events/lets-keep-talking/