Dartmouth, NS – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is very pleased to announce Let’s Keep Talking with Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire on May 3 at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax during Mental Health Week. General Dallaire will speak to the audience about his battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a direct result of his mission in Rwanda, and his advocacy of the issue on behalf of other veterans struggling with PTSD.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s fourth annual Let’s Keep Talking event is designed to educate, engage and entertain.
After the success of its inaugural event, Let’s Keep Talking for Clara’s Big Ride in 2014, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has continued the tradition, calling on notable Canadian mental health advocates to keep the conversation going. Last year’s event featured Canadian icon and author, Margaret Trudeau, who spoke about living with bipolar disorder.
General Dallaire will headline this year’s event as the keynote speaker, sponsored by Bell Aliant.
“Bell Aliant is proud of our commitment to mental health with the Bell Let’s Talk initiative and we are very pleased to continue our support of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Let’s Keep Talking event this year with Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire,” said Glen LeBlanc, Vice Chair, Bell Aliant. “Let’s Keep Talking is an important event that creates awareness about mental health, recognizes mental health advocates in our community, and encourages people who are suffering in silence to reach out and get the help they need.”
The event, presented by NorthWest Healthcare Properties, will feature the stories and talents of Nova Scotians living well with mental illness. Highlights include photography by Nigel Beck, live art, and much more. MHFNS Board of Trustees member and TSN reporter, Paul Hollingsworth, will return as emcee.
“NorthWest Healthcare Properties is proud to be a presenting sponsor of Let’s Keep Talking 2017, an event that plays a vital role in changing the way Nova Scotians think about mental health,” says Dave Casimiro, Regional General Manager, NorthWest Healthcare Properties. “Mental health affects all of us and opening up a dialogue about it is the first step toward ending the stigma.”
Additionally, Let’s Keep Talking will honour five Nova Scotians who have impacted the mental health community in our province. Outstanding Youth, Amanda Higgins; Outstanding Senior, Jim Malone; Outstanding Healthcare Provider, Nicole Robinson; Outstanding Individual, Stephanie Reidy; and Outstanding Caregiver, Sheila Morrison will be honoured for their efforts to spread mental health awareness and eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness.
“We are so excited to be bringing General Dallaire into this very important discussion and celebration of outstanding individuals,” says Starr Dobson, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “It’s an amazing opportunity for deserving Nova Scotians to share the stage with a Canadian who is truly dedicated to changing the way people think.”
The event will raise funds for mental health programs and services across the province. There will be an opportunity to win a 50/50 raffle prize and door prizes. Let’s Keep Talking is a free event, made possible by the generous support of sponsors NorthWest Healthcare Properties, Bell Aliant, Emera, Salon Resource Group, The Way Foundation and the Dalhousie Department of Psychiatry.
Let’s Keep Talking with Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire (Ret'd)
Tuesday, May 3; Doors open 5:30 pm; Show starts at 6:00 pm
Spatz Theatre, Citadel High School
1855 Trollope St, Halifax, NS
Tickets: Free (Available at mentalhealthns.ca and eventbrite.com)
Recommended for ages 12+
About General Roméo Dallaire
Roméo Dallaire is founder of the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, a global partnership with the mission to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers. A celebrated advocate for human rights, especially in regards to child soldiers, veterans, and the prevention of mass atrocities, General Dallaire is also a respected government and UN adviser, a best-selling author and former Canadian Senator.
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