Keynote Speaker Theo Fleury shares his story of triumph over mental illness, trauma and addiction
HALIFAX, May 9, 2019 – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has recognized five outstanding Nova Scotians for their positive impact on the province’s mental health community. The awards were presented during the foundation’s annual Let’s Keep Talking event featuring key note speaker Theo Fleury.
“The dedication and perseverance of these individuals has contributed immensely to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction,” said Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Cunningham. “We are so proud of these exemplary members of our community who are leading the conversation to change the way people think.”
The 2019 Let’s Keep Talking awards were presented to:
Jessie Cullum, Outstanding Youth
Judi Quan, Outstanding Senior
Marilyn Bright, Outstanding Healthcare Provider
Elsie Morden, Outstanding Individual
Sarah Rahr, Outstanding Caregiver
Award recipients reflected on their contribution to the ongoing conversation around mental health and the importance of eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. Their sentiments were echoed by Theo Fleury, whose candid address about his struggles with trauma and addiction provided an inspiring message of hope and motivation for audience members about confronting obstacles head on and that change is possible.
Following his presentation, Mr. Fleury was also recognized for his mental health advocacy with the Let’s Keep Talking award for Outstanding Activist.
“Bell Let’s Talk is very proud to continue supporting the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Let’s Keep Talking event to help people in Nova Scotia living with mental illness and addictions,” said Andre LeBlanc, Bell’s Vice President Marketing, Small Business. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Let’s Keep Talking award recipients for the outstanding role they are playing in moving mental health forward in Nova Scotia.”
Emceed by CTV Atlantic news anchor and Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Board of Trustees member Paul Hollingsworth, Let’s Keep Talking encourages an ongoing dialogue about mental illness and addiction. At the same time, it recognizes individuals who are living extraordinarily well with mental disorders or caring for those with mental illness and addiction. The event also featured a special performance by musician Jon Cyr.
Let’s Keep Talking with Theo Fleury was made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Bell Let’s Talk; keynote sponsor the J&W Murphy Foundation; award sponsors: Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry, NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT, Northwood INTouch, and NS Power. Funds raised will support mental illness and addiction programs across the province.
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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 addictions. We work to increase access to mental health education and awareness for all, raising funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
Let’s Keep Talking was launched in 2014. Since then the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has kept the conversation going featuring notable Canadian mental health advocates including, Margaret Trudeau, Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire, Michael Landsberg and Steven Page.
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