We’re proud to fund programming at Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health Day Hospital in the QEII, a care centre supporting people living with severe and persistent mental health concerns. Occupational therapist Amelia Fletcher recently took us on a tour of the Wellness Garden, a project we support, to share its impact on program participants.
Good food and community connection nourish wellbeing in Halifax’s North End
Using traditional knowledge to reclaim a sense of belonging
Elder Lottie Johnson from Eskasoni First Nation knows the power of traditional knowledge when it comes to healing. She partnered with Wapna'kikewi'skwaq - Women of First Light and received funding from the Foundation for a travelling tipi program that celebrates cultural connection across Unama’kik (Cape Breton).
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no formula for grief
While the Foundation supports many projects that encompass peer support, suicide prevention, youth, addictions, and education, a recent uptick in funding applications for projects that focus on understanding grief has been noted. After all, grief is something all human beings face and contrary to popular belief, it looks different for everyone. Recognizing the significant impact grief has on mental health and wellbeing, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia recently provided Community Grant funding to several grief support projects across the province.
Funding senior mental health and wellbeing initiatives
The art & science behind aging well
Getting older doesn’t have to mean experiencing a lower quality of life. In fact, believing that we can thrive while aging has been linked to living a longer, healthier life. Dr. Keri-Leigh Cassidy, the geriatric psychiatrist behind Fountain of Health, says developing a positive view about aging might be one of the most important things we can do for our health.
A powerful combo: music & mental health
With song books in hand, a group of seniors gathered in a circle, belting out familiar tunes from Elvis and Stan Rogers. Brandon Mooney, a certified music therapist, strummed along on his guitar. This is the scene every Wednesday at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, where the Seniors in Song music group takes place.
2023-2024 Community Grants
Mental Health Matters at Every Age
Riley Spencer is a life-long volunteer, primarily in the senior community. In 2017, he started sharing his time and talents at Parkland at the Gardens in downtown Halifax. Now the full-time recreation manager, Riley understands members of the senior community fight their own battles with mental illness.
Hospital Bed to 5k
Jordan* has rediscovered his passion for running thanks to a rec therapy program funded by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia donors.
An inpatient at Simpson Landing’s Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit (PRU), Jordan was quick to sign up for a ‘hospital bed to 5k’ organized by Occupational Therapy. PRU provides reintegration support to individuals with mental illnesses by working on community living skills, improving their wellness, and learning how to manage their illness. Having enjoyed running in his younger years, Jordan immediately noticed the mood-boosting effects of cardiovascular exercise. Even inpatient restrictions couldn’t slow him down.
“During strict COVID restrictions, he would run laps of the hospital grounds with occupational therapy and co-clients and quickly progressed to a 5km run,” says Laura Slauenwhite, Occupational Therapist. “He began running outside of group times and his nurse even joined him for a few laps!”
Once COVID restrictions were lifted, Jordan took on a new challenge and began trail running at Shubie Park, Lawrencetown Beach, and the Salt Marsh Trail while the Rec Therapist walked with other co-clients. Proper running sneakers were purchased with funding from the Foundation to help Jordan further his training.
“The program takes place outside the hospital setting to encourage clients to take greater control over their daily decisions which is an important transitional skill to community living,” says Slauenwhite. “This experience promotes greater self-confidence and fosters independence.”
Skills that Jordan has continued to use since being discharged from Simpson Landing. He continues to run regularly to help manage stress, improve sleep, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
*Name has been changed to protect patient privacy in accordance with Personal Health Information Act
Helping First Responders Find Their Footing
First responders are more than four times as likely to experience mental illness and addiction than the general population, and the demand for mental health support is growing. The Foundation is proud to fund Landing Strong, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting resilience and assisting recovery from PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries.
Coastal Recreation Benefiting Young Women with Psychosis
Funded by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the BlueMind Coastal Wellness Project is a series of day trips supporting young women recovering from early psychosis. Early psychosis refers to the first time a person experiences a break from reality characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. While psychoses are serious disorders, with early detection and treatment recovery is probable and recreation therapy programs like this one provide much-needed support and healing.
Shirin's Story
Jackie's Story
Jacqueline Coulson-Clements is an 80-year-old resident of the Annapolis Valley who has been passionate about mental health for many years. She uses her lived experience with mental illness to provide hope and support to others. Jackie gives generously of her time and is actively involved in her community. Together with her husband, she helps promote healthy living and wellness to her fellow seniors through CORAH, the Center of Rural Aging & Health in Middleton.
Mario's Story
Growing up in the inner city of Bain Town in Nassau Bahamas, Mario Rolle saw things no child should see. Having witnessed many murders, assaults, and robberies, Mario knew he wanted no part in that life and set his sights on being a force for good. After graduating from college in 2009, Mario moved to Halifax to further his education in Criminology. While living in Nova Scotia, he married into the East Preston community and immediately began working to address challenges facing his community.
Steven's Story
After a childhood shaped by trauma, years of challenges with mental illness, addiction, crime and incarceration, Steven has reclaimed his life. He’s been sober for almost 9 years, has a supportive partner of more than 20 years, and has furthered his education and career. He’s led a crime-free life for more than a decade and has received a pardon for his efforts. Steve now uses his lived experience and training to support others to make positive changes in their own lives.
Nadine's Story
Nadine Léger de Blois is a caregiver, advocate, peer supporter and so much more. She is the caregiver for a family member living with an Operational Stress Injury and has spent many years as a Family Peer Support Coordinator for family members of individuals living with Operational Stress Injuries. She is invested in this cause in both her personal life and her professional career.
Creating a Conversation With Your Children About Residential Schools
“It is most important that parents engage in learning more about residential schools and their legacy, acknowledging that many families are still dealing and living with the trauma from attending or having a family member attend one of these schools,” says Katie Gloade, Mi’kmaq educator and PhD health student at Dalhousie University. “There are so many resources available online, in print, and in person that individuals can access. The more a parent understands, the better ability they will have to answer tough questions.”
Paying Tribute by Enhancing Mental Health
Amanda Bidnall is paying tribute to the life and legacy of her mother, Pat Braden by enhancing mental health care in Nova Scotia. Following her mother’s death in April 2021, Bidnall encouraged friends and family to make a gift to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to help improve the quality of care for clients of the Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit (GPAIU), formerly known as Willow Hall