On this Mental Illness Awareness Week, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to launch its year-long Opening Doors – End Family Violence (ODEFV) campaign. The first event will be held in Pictou County. Made possible by a Department of Justice Canada grant and support from Lawtons, ODEFV will visit five rural communities in Nova Scotia throughout 2015 and 2016.
On October 21, members of the Pictou County community and surrounding areas are invited to attend a free session at Northumberland Regional High School. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will run for approximately 2 hours.
Leading up to the event, the Foundation consulted community leaders to gather input on the event theme. “Understanding Mental Illness” was the resounding choice.
“The past several months have been difficult for many residents of Pictou County. The temporary closure of the Short Stay Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital has heightened concerns regarding mental illness. The timing is perfect to bring education and hope to the county. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I’m coming back home to my rural roots in Alma,” says Starr Dobson, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Alexa Bagnell, Interim Chief for IWK Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Associate Professor at Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Bagnell will share insight into various mental illnesses, particularly in relation to children and youth.
ODEFV Pictou County will also feature remarks from 2015 Let’s Keep Talking Outstanding Individual award recipient, Bob Ransom; local entertainment by Bailey MacKinnon; information about a Summer Street Industries mental health grant funded by the Foundation; a question and answer period, door prizes, and takeaway resources. It will be emceed by Starr Dobson.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia encourages all members of the community to attend this informative and inspirational event. Together, we’re changing the way people think.
Opening Doors – End Family Violence will also visit Cape Breton, Annapolis Valley, Digby and a First Nations community.
To learn more, please visit www.mentalhealthns.ca/openingdoors
Opening Doors – End Family Violence, Pictou County
Wednesday, October 21
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Northumberland Regional High School
104 Alma Rd., Westville, NS
Free Admission
Recommended for ages 14 +
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Contact:
Starr Dobson
President & CEO
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: (902) 464-6053
E: starr.dobson@nshealth.ca