St. John Ambulance (SJA) believes it’s everyone’s business to improve mental health and wellness. That’s why the first aid training and community service organization is continuing to show its support to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia as the Festival of Trees Technology Sponsor, marking five years of sponsorship for the signature fundraising event.
“We are very proud to partner with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia as advocates for Mental Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia” says Steven Gaetz, CEO of St. John Ambulance. “As a charity, we appreciate the substantial need to enhance mental health and wellness in our communities, especially given the current social climate. Recently, in response of the negative impacts of COVID-19, we took our new Mental Health Wellness in the Workplace program online.” St John Ambulance views Mental Health and Wellness as a significant component of everyone’s overall health & safety, and offering the program online accommodates this. “We are proud to support the great work being done by Starr and her team at the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.”
St. John Ambulance is an important partner to the Foundation. The organization works to improve mental health literacy in the province through the St. John Ambulance Mental Health First Aid Named Grant. The funding program provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations so they can gain the knowledge and skills to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, family members, friends or colleagues. SJA has quickly adapted to our online work world and now offers a virtual, instructor-led Mental Health Wellness in the Workplace one-day course.
“The more we can educate Nova Scotians about how to support each other through mental health struggles, the healthier and happier we’ll all be,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “As we navigate increasing rates of mental illness and addiction due to COVID-19, St. John Ambulance is helping ensure Nova Scotians have the ability to recognize mental health problems and guide their peers and loved ones to seek the appropriate supports.”
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to work with St. John Ambulance to achieve our shared values of improving mental health, well-being, and quality of life of all Nova Scotians. To learn more about the innovative Mental Health Wellness in the Workplace program, or mental health first aid, visit sja.ca.