DARTMOUTH, NS – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is making music and brightening smiles in Pictou County.
The annual Pictou County Community Grant has been awarded to Music Makes Connections (Maritime Odd Fellows Home) and The Bright Smiles Project (Pictou County Mental Illness Family Support Association.)
Music Makes Connections will provide music therapy to residents who struggle with depression, anxiety and loneliness (particularly those who are living with mental illness and dementia). Music therapy will be used as a tool to improve the overall quality of life for residents. It will also allow for community and intergenerational connections through a new bi-monthly pre-school and senior’s music program. Funding will be used to hire a certified music therapist, provide training to existing volunteers and to recruit new volunteers to assist with delivering the program while building a base for future programs.
The Bright Smiles Project will provide access to dental services for individuals living with mental illness and addictions (some for the first time in decades.) The project will educate its participants on the importance of good oral care, and how it impacts on physical and mental health. The overall objective is an improvement in oral health, better oral hygiene, a brighter smile and heightened self-esteem.
Community volunteers Lily DeYoung and Shawna Coleman wanted to change the way people think about mental illness in Pictou County. Together, they organized “Models for Mental Health,” a consignment fashion show. All proceeds raised by the annual event are allocated to Pictou County as per Lily and Shawna’s request to make a difference where they live.
More information about Shawna and Lily’s story can be found on the Foundation’s website at - http://www.mentalhealthns.ca/lily-shawna-story.
About Models for Mental Health
Models for Mental Health is an annual event that features models from across Pictou county sporting consignment fashions which are sold following the show in order to both funds and awareness for mental health. The event is hosted by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President and Pictou County native, Starr Dobson and features live local entertainment and door prizes.
Contact:
Shawna Coleman shawnacoleman60@gmail.com
Lily DeYounglilyadeyoung@hotmail.com
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. The Foundation raises funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Lewandowski, Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: jennifer.lewandowski@nshealth.ca