A 100 Men Who Give a Damn! – Halifax grant facilitated by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has designated funding to four inpatient recreation therapy programs in the HRM/Halifax area. $16,599 in funding has been awarded to programming for Units 6 & 7 at the Abbie J. Lane, and Mayflower Hall and Simpson Landing at the Nova Scotia Hospital.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia was selected as 100 Men Who Give A Damn! – Halifax’s charity of choice in February. The Foundation’s presentation to 100 Men Who Give a Damn- Halifax! highlighted the therapeutic benefits of recreation and leisure for mental health inpatients. Recreation therapy works to decrease social isolation, increase self-esteem, and prepare clients for discharge and community re-integration.
Funding has been awarded to:
· Abbie J. Lane Acute Mental Health Care, 6 & 7 Lane’s “Change of Scenery” is designed to provide real-life experiences outside the hospital setting, and help clients regain independence. The program has four components: camping sessions throughout the year, kayaking outings, a therapeutic horse discovery program, and nature walks.
- Abbie J. Lane Acute Mental Health Care, 6 & 7 Lane’s 'Living Leisure, Loving Life” gives clients the opportunity to focus on wellness rather than illness, while encouraging them to be part of their community. The program includes over a dozen activities for clients ranging from coffee outings, to volunteering, to learning to access resources they would use after discharge (i.e. a gym).
- Mayflower Hall’s “Meditative Spaces” will encourage participants to explore new coping methods through physical activity and autonomy. It features equestrian therapy, sea kayaking, and meditation sessions.
- Simpson Landing’s “Journey to Recovery” works to build independent living and recreational skills while reducing isolation. The program features two adventure camp outings for participants throughout the year
“When I received the news about being fully funded for the ‘Change of Scenery’ and ‘Living Leisure, Loving Life’ grants by a group of community members who voted on this, I was truly touched,” said Jacqueline Connors, Recreation Therapist at the Abbie J. Lane. “These programs help individuals living with mental illness access leisure in our community, which has been more difficult for them because of stigma. Knowing that a group of community members such as 100 Men Who Give a Damn! - Halifax nominated and chose to include these members in their community gives me great hope. ‘Thank you’ is not enough. It’s about more than the money – it’s about their willingness to be inclusive, and the importance of acceptance.”
A client who previously participated in the “Living Leisure, Loving Life” program stated: “It “helps me know I’m ready for the big real world.” The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to thank 100 Men Who Give a Damn! – Halifax for making stories like this possible.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia distributes funding to programs and services across the province on a quarterly basis. Funding for 2016-2017 Community Grants and Nova Scotia Health Authority Mental Health & Addictions, Central Zone grants has also been released this month. Visit mentalhealthns.ca/grants to learn more.
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. We raise funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
www.mentalhealthns.ca
###
Contact:
Colleen Fraser, Communications Coordinator
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: (902) 464-3210
E: colleen.fraser@nshealth.ca
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Suite 1120, 300 Pleasant Street
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3Z9