October 3, 2023 (Halifax) – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia recognized seven outstanding Nova Scotians for their inspirational contributions to the mental health community today. The awards were presented during the Foundation’s annual event, Let’s Keep Talking, presented by Bell Let’s Talk, at the Halifax Central Library.
“This is the perfect way to recognize and celebrate the amazing achievements of outstanding Nova Scotians, at the perfect time,” says Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Cunningham. “Mental Illness Awareness Week is a time to make Canadians aware of the realities of mental illness and addiction. Our award recipients do just that, in the best possible way.”
The 2023 Let’s Keep Talking award recipients are:
Mike Sears, Outstanding Individual Mike is a professional firefighter living with PTSD who works to improve the physical and mental health of his co-workers. He strives to change the culture within his workplace to ensure inclusivity and encourages others to seek out help to discuss their struggles. Mike is breaking the stigma within his fire service and for those within the province of Nova Scotia through his advocacy work.
Naphtali Tucker, Outstanding Youth Naphtali is 14 years old. She lives with autism and anxiety. She started making Brainy Buttons in 2022. She sells them and uses the proceeds to promote education and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity.
Robbie Shaw, Outstanding Senior Robbie is an 81-year-old retired executive who is very active in this community. During the pandemic he struggled with depression and received a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's. He is now very open about how he has learned to manage with medication, exercise and staying involved in his community while keeping his social life active.
Sandra Miller, Outstanding Healthcare Provider Sandra is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice and with the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. She works out of Indian Brook First Nations. She helps people facing the stigma of mental illness to realize they are having a normal reaction to trauma, their own trauma and intergenerational trauma.
Geoff Tyler, Outstanding Caregiver Geoff is a caregiver for both his wife and autistic son who each struggle with anxiety and depression. He is also a Head Coach for Special Olympics. Geoff makes sure those around him know they belong, and he supports them all with kindness and compassion.
And Dr. David Gardner & Dr. Andrea Murphy, Keynote Speakers, were honoured with the Outstanding Advocate Award
Presented by Bell Let’s Talk, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s 9th annual Let’s Keep Talking was once again hosted by CTV Atlantic’s Paul Hollingsworth. The event provides hope and eradicates the stigma surrounding mental illness while encouraging an ongoing conversation about mental health. This year’s keynote, delivered by Dr. David Gardner and Dr. Andrea Murphy, focused on getting a good night’s sleep. Insomnia and the prescribing of sleep medication is a growing concern, especially for many seniors and their families. Drs. Gardner and Murphy from Sleepwell discussed sleep problems while sharing safe and effective ways to treat them without medications.
Let’s Keep Talking is made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Bell Let’s Talk; Award sponsors: Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry, IWK Mental Health & Addictions, Nova Scotia Power, and The Berkeley. 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 increasing financial support to community initiatives that provide hope and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness and addictions.
Let’s Keep Talking was launched in 2014 as part of Clara’s Big Ride. 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, Steven Page, Allison Garber and Jenna Robar.