September 19, 2026
Every year, Let’s Keep Talking brings Nova Scotians together to celebrate individuals who are making a meaningful difference in mental health and addictions support across our province.
Through advocacy, lived experience, leadership and compassion, our award recipients are helping to change the conversation, strengthen connections and create communities where people feel seen, heard and supported.
As we prepare for this year’s Let’s Keep Talking event on October 6, we reached out to our 2025 award recipients to ask a simple question: What did it mean to receive a Let’s Keep Talking Award?
Their reflections are a powerful reminder of why recognizing those who are making a difference matters.
Kelly Mitchell
For Kelly Mitchell, receiving a Let’s Keep Talking Award was an acknowledgement of her ongoing advocacy for youth mental health and the lasting legacy of her daughter, Aidaen.
“It was validation that my work, my mission, and my passion for youth mental health was being heard across the province. It was empowering to know that my voice, and that of my late daughter, Aidaen Mitchell, was making an impact, and that her story will never end.”
Gordie Farmer
Gordie Farmer sees the recognition as another opportunity to encourage open conversations about mental health and help people feel more comfortable reaching out for support.
“What the Let’s Keep Talking Award means to me is we are sharing the awareness of mental health and trying to make people comfortable talking about mental health while seeking support.”
Supt. Dustine Rodier
For Superintendent Dustine Rodier, the award was an opportunity to recognize not only her own work, but also the many people across Nova Scotia who are quietly making a difference in their communities.
“I was incredibly humbled to share the floor with such influential leaders in our community. There are so many unsung heroes across Nova Scotia who are out there making a difference every day, so recognition was an honour. The work that the Mental Health Foundation directly contributes to saving lives and I am very grateful for their dedication to advocacy and awareness in the field of mental health.”
Shelley Linders
Shelley Linders hopes her recognition encourages others living with mental illness to see what is possible and to know that mental illness does not define their potential.
“Winning the Let’s Keep Talking Outstanding Individual Award in 2025 was a great honour and helps me demonstrate hopefulness for people with mental illness. We can be successful in work and in life.”
Tina Comeau-Surette
For Tina Comeau-Surette, the award provided encouragement to continue sharing an important message about addiction and substance use in memory of her son, Justin.
“To receive a Let’s Keep Talking Award was very meaningful. It made me feel so supported in my efforts to keep spreading awareness about addiction and substance abuse in memory of my son Justin, and to continue to spread the very important message that no family is immune.”
Keeping the Conversation Going
While each recipient’s story is different, their reflections share a common thread: the importance of connection, recognition and continuing conversations that can make a difference.
Their dedication reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one person willing to share their story, offer support or speak up for others.
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, we’ll gather once again for Let’s Keep Talking to celebrate more inspiring mental health champions and continue these important conversations.
Join us for an evening of connection, inspiration and recognition as we honour Nova Scotians who are helping to create brighter days in communities across the province.
Let’s Keep Talking 2026
Tuesday, October 6 | 6–8 PM
NSCC Ivany Campus, Dartmouth
Free to attend | Space is limited
Register at www.mentalhealthns.ca/events/
All photos: Stoo Metz Photography