The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce the second event in its year-long Opening Doors – End Family Violence (ODEFV) campaign will take place March 31 in the Annapolis Valley. Made possible by a Department of Justice Canada grant and support from Lawtons, ODEFV will visit five rural communities in Nova Scotia throughout 2015 and 2016. The first event was held in Pictou County in October 2015.
On March 31, residents of the Annapolis Valley and surrounding areas are invited to attend a free session at the Louis Millett Community Complex. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will run for approximately 2 hours.
Leading up to the event, the Foundation consulted community leaders to gather input on the event theme. Community response indicated an interest in youth and mental illness.
“We’re hoping to see a packed house at this event,” says Starr Dobson, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “Our awareness and education sessions are growing in popularity as communities become more open to discussing mental illness and the stigma that so often accompanies it. We’re looking forward to spending some time and connecting with our friends in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley.”
The event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Selene Etches, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the IWK Health Centre and Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Etches will focus on raising awareness of youth mental illness and addiction.
ODEFV Annapolis Valley will also feature remarks from 2015 Let’s Keep Talking Outstanding Individual award recipient, Bob Ransom; local entertainment by PTSD advocate and musician, Kevin Davison; information about an Evangeline Club mental health grant funded by the Foundation; a question and answer period, door prizes, and takeaway resources. It will be emceed by Starr Dobson.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia encourages all members of the community to attend this informative and inspirational event. Together, we’re changing the way people think.
The next Opening Doors – End Family Violence workshop is being planned for Millbrook First Nation later this spring. ODEFV will also visit Cape Breton and Digby later this year.
Attending? Let us know on Facebook!
Opening Doors – End Family Violence, Annapolis Valley
Thursday, March 31
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Louis Millett Community Complex
9489 Commercial Street, New Minas
Free Admission
Recommended for ages 12 +
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. We raise funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
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Contact:
Colleen Fraser
Communications Coordinator
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: colleen.fraser@nshealth.ca