Our News — Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is not a mental health service provider.

If you’re in crisis call 911, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988, Nova Scotia’s Mental Health Mobile Crisis at 902.429.8167, or visit your local ER.

5 Ways to Support Black Mental Health to Mark Emancipation Day

August 1 is Emancipation Day; a day that is pivotal to the mental health and well-being of Black Nova Scotians. Emancipation Day marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire. You can support Black Mental Health by taking time to Acknowledge, Educate, Listen, Engage and Reflect.

Allison Garber Speaks on the Gift of Sobriety 

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to welcome Nova Scotia mental health advocate, Allison Garber as the keynote speaker for this year’s Let’s Keep Talking proudly presented by Bell Let's Talk on October 8, 2021. The business owner, communications professional, and mother of two is a vocal advocate for mental health having most recently appeared on CTV’s ‘In their Own Words: A Bell Let’s Talk Day Special.’

Mental Health Programs to Foster Resilience in Nova Scotians Impacted by 2020 Tragedies

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce six new community mental health initiatives to help families and individuals in Colchester-East Hants manage the impact of multiple tragedies this past year. Thanks to the creation of the Scotiabank Resilience Fund, those who are struggling will have access to more than $110,000 worth of mental health and addiction support from local community organizations, with $40,000 more coming later in the year.

Celebrating Community Leaders Who've Put Mental Health Centre Stage

Celebrating Community Leaders Who've Put Mental Health Centre Stage

Inspiring stories, epic blunders, and show stopping performances will be featured in the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s upcoming fundraiser, A Very Different Stage of Mind presented by BMO Bank of Montreal. This year’s event will be a retrospective program hosted by Nancy Regan, and broadcast live from the Halifax Convention Centre Friday, May 7, 2021. BMO Bank of Montreal is a proud sponsor of A Different Stage of Mind, a partnership that started in 2009.

Scotiabank Resilience Fund to Support Nova Scotians in Time of Need

A new Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Grant is helping families and individuals in Colchester-East Hants manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple tragedies affecting the region this past year. The Scotiabank Resilience Fund will help those who are struggling will get more mental health and addiction support from local community organizations.

Nova Scotia Brotherhood Fund to Expand Black Nova Scotians' Mental Health Supports

"The Nova Scotia Brotherhood takes a holistic approach to black men’s health based on the social determinants of health. We are really pleased to be selected for support from the Foundation," said Mario Rolle, Team Lead, Nova Scotia Brotherhood, Nova Scotia Health. "This grant will help us to expand our work on mental health initiatives for Black men."

More Mental Health and Addictions Support for Nova Scotians

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia will receive over $1.6 million, to be distributed as grants to organizations provincewide. Community organizations across the province will be able to provide more mental health and addictions support to those in need with new government funding announced today, Dec. 11.

29th Festival of Trees Presented by RBC Royal Bank

The Festival of Trees presented by RBC is branching out into a week-long event featuring public viewings of the beloved Forest of Trees, and the new Resto Festo where participating eateries donate a portion of their sales to mental health. The festival culminates in the Spotlight for Mental Health Benefit Concert streaming live on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Funds raised will increase access to mental health supports and services in communities throughout Nova Scotia while working to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Marks 1 Million Dollar Community Funding Milestone

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is marking a funding milestone— having provided more than $1,000,000 in Community Funding for the first time in the organization’s history. The achievement was celebrated this morning at the Foundation’s 2019-2020 Annual General Meeting.

"The generosity of our donors goes far beyond the million dollar mark," says Starr Cunningham, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. "This overwhelming support allows Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction to rediscover a sense of self, find joy in their everyday lives, and most importantly to have hope for the future."

The significant contributions of Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia friends and supporters were also recognized. Vision Awards were presented to seven individuals in the following categories: Partners in our Vision (Fire Inside Leadership: Sandi Roberts and Julian Young), Outstanding Volunteer (Iain MacKay, Pellerine Tournament of Hearts) and Outstanding Achievement (The First Responders- Hon. David Wilson, Deputy Chief Don MacLean, Supt. Dustine Rodier, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant ).

Since 2006, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has provided more than $5.5 million in funding through its grants program in support of organizations that provide hope and eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. The Foundation’s funded programs reduce barriers and increase access to mental health supports and services throughout Nova Scotia. They include counselling and recovery, BIPOC-focused initiatives, mental health literacy, employment and life skills training, recreation and music therapy, peer support, leadership, resiliency and 2SLGBTQIA programs. Last year's grants provided more than 6700 hours of mental health support; impacting an estimated 21,500 individuals directly and more than 235,000 indirectly.

The Foundation looks forward to a successful 2020-2021 year. The Foundation’s 2019-2020 Community Report can be viewed at CR2020.mentalhealthns.ca.