Staffing Announcement

“The Foundation is thrilled to welcome Laura and Erica to our team,” says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO. “Their enthusiasm and passion for our cause will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal of seeing Nova Scotians who are living with mental illness and addiction thriving in our communities.”

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY OFFICE CLOSURE

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to follow the directives of our Provincial and Federal Government. Our first priority is the health and safety of our team and clients. Public health officials have advised social distancing is the most effective way to minimize the transmission of the spread of COVID-19. As such, will be closing our office until further notice.

COVID-19 Update from Starr

As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, it’s more likely we’ll begin to see cases in Nova Scotia. Our decisions will be guided by the NSHA and directives from our Provincial and Federal Government. As such, we have cancelled our upcoming Let’s Keep Talking event slated for May 7, 2020 in Truro to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s A Different Stage of Mind SOLD OUT!

(Halifax, NS- March 4, 2020)— The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is beaming with pride as it prepares for a sold-out event at the Halifax Convention Centre Friday, March 6.

The variety show will be a sight to behold when 32 community leaders take the stage in front of a sold–out house to raise funds for community mental health initiatives. Proudly presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, A Different Stage of Mind challenges Nova Scotian community leaders to put their fears aside and perform as musical stars.

More than half of the five groups involved have exceeded their initial fundraising target of $50,000 and have their sights set on even higher goals! Each group has committed to raising $50,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia through ticket sales, fundraisers, and high end sponsorships.

A Different Stage of Mind has been a hot ticket with guests securing their seats as early as  ___. Tickets were half sold by…  The event is now officially at capacity and tickets completely sold out with attendance capped at 824 guests. The Foundation is compiling a growing wait list.

“This outstanding response speaks directly to the theme of this year’s event— A Vision for Mental Health,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. "People are seeing clearly now the vital need for mental health and addiction supports and services while recognizing the important role the Foundation plays in funding those initiatives in communities throughout Nova Scotia.”

A Different Stage of Mind will be emceed by longtime host Mayor Mike Savage with C100’s Peter Harrison taking the stage as Auctioneer. Those in attendance will be treated to performances by:

The Village People: The First Responders led by Hon. Dave Wilson featuring Insp. Dustine Rodier, Supt. Don MacLean, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant

The Barenaked Ladies: Paul Leblanc, Arrivals +Departures Founder & CEO

The Conter Crooners: Jenna, Adam & Howard Conter, TEMA Foundation

Pink: Melissa Berry & Josh Kogon, Royal LePage Atlantic

ABBA: The Glorious Ladies (Alisa Alyward, Alyssa Kelly, Alexa Bagnell, Sue Bachur, Clare Champoux, Tanya Cook, Krista Dempsey, Patricia Depalma, Cynthia Dorrington, Karen Gardiner, Laura Gibson, Susan Grant, Pooja Malini Gunaseelan, Kim MacDonald, Jean MacDougall, Dawn MacLachlan, Rebecca Jabbour, Sharon Resky, Wendy Ross Clark, Karen Spaulding, Michele Trider, Carolyn Wood)

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to thank all the sponsors, partners and supporters who’ve helped make this event a sell-out success. Our heartfelt gratitude to presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal; Branding Partner, Revolve; Event Partner, ZedEvents great productions; Video Partner, RPM Productions; Media Partner, CTV News Atlantic; A/V Partner, FMAV; and Print Partner Advocate Printing and Publishing. 

Donations are still being accepted in support of our stars until the night of the event. For more information about A Different Stage of Mind or to donate visit mentalhealthns.ca.

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Honours Outstanding Mental Health Advocates

Keynote Speaker Theo Fleury shares his story of triumph over mental illness, trauma and addiction

Keynote Speaker Theo Fleury shares his story of triumph over mental illness, trauma and addiction

HALIFAX, May 9, 2019 – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has recognized five outstanding Nova Scotians for their positive impact on the province’s mental health community. The awards were presented during the foundation’s annual Let’s Keep Talking event featuring key note speaker Theo Fleury.

“The dedication and perseverance of these individuals has contributed immensely to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction,” said Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Cunningham. “We are so proud of these exemplary members of our community who are leading the conversation to change the way people think.”

The 2019 Let’s Keep Talking awards were presented to:

Jessie Cullum, Outstanding Youth

Judi Quan, Outstanding Senior

Marilyn Bright, Outstanding Healthcare Provider

Elsie Morden, Outstanding Individual

Sarah Rahr, Outstanding Caregiver

Award recipients reflected on their contribution to the ongoing conversation around mental health and the importance of eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction. Their sentiments were echoed by Theo Fleury, whose candid address about his struggles with trauma and addiction provided an inspiring message of hope and motivation for audience members about confronting obstacles head on and that change is possible.

Following his presentation, Mr. Fleury was also recognized for his mental health advocacy with the Let’s Keep Talking award for Outstanding Activist.

“Bell Let’s Talk is very proud to continue supporting the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Let’s Keep Talking event to help people in Nova Scotia living with mental illness and addictions,” said Andre LeBlanc, Bell’s Vice President Marketing, Small Business. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Let’s Keep Talking award recipients for the outstanding role they are playing in moving mental health forward in Nova Scotia.”

Emceed by CTV Atlantic news anchor and Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Board of Trustees member Paul Hollingsworth, Let’s Keep Talking encourages an ongoing dialogue about mental illness and addiction. At the same time, it recognizes individuals who are living extraordinarily well with mental disorders or caring for those with mental illness and addiction. The event also featured a special performance by musician Jon Cyr.

Let’s Keep Talking with Theo Fleury was made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Bell Let’s Talk; keynote sponsor the J&W Murphy Foundation; award sponsors: Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry, NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT, Northwood INTouch, and NS Power. Funds raised will support mental illness and addiction programs across the province. 

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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 addictions. We work to increase access to mental health education and awareness for all, raising funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.

Let’s Keep Talking was launched in 2014. Since then the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has kept the conversation going featuring notable Canadian mental health advocates including, Margaret Trudeau, Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire, Michael Landsberg and Steven Page.

 

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Media Contact

Jill Chappell

Marketing & Communications Lead

jill.chappell@nshealth.ca

(o) 902-464-3210

(c) 902-717-5981