Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia calls for applications for 2017-2018 grant program on Bell Let’s Talk Day

DARTMOUTH, NS – The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for its 2017-2018 Community Grants, Named Grants and Nova Scotia Health Authority Mental Health & Addictions, Central Zone (NSMHA) Grants. 

“Our Community Grants Program provides support to individuals and organizations province-wide to undertake programs and services that benefit the mental health of all individuals,” says Starr Dobson, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

“We are delighted to share our call for applications on Bell Let’s Talk Day because both initiatives provide vital funding to mental healthcare, research, anti-stigma and workplace campaigns across our region. “

Examples of Community Grants Program projects include advocacy and anti-stigma programs, educational opportunities and wellness projects such as Beyond Trauma, presented by 2016 grant recipients Coverdale Courtwork Society. 

Beyond Trauma is a 4-session trauma intervention program designed for women who have witnessed or experienced trauma.  The session topics include learning about the process of trauma, power and abuse, grounding and self-soothing and healthy relationships. 

“I thought I was so different and very bad, but now, sitting in this group, I realize that other woman have experienced some very bad things also. These women are wonderful women and I am a good person too,” said one of the workshop participants.

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided more than $3 million in funding through its grants program in support of organizations with a mental health mandate. 

Programs and services include mental health staff training, healthy living initiatives, community integration supports, housing projects, anti-stigma education, and anti-bullying programs. Last year's grants impacted an estimated 39,000 individuals directly and nearly 200,000 indirectly.

The Foundation looks forward to a successful 2017-2018 year. The Foundation’s 2015-2016 Community Report can be downloaded at mentalhealthns.ca.  More information on how to apply for grants can be found at mentalhealthns.ca/grants.

About Bell Let’s Talk Day

Bell Let’s Talk Day 2017 is Wednesday, January 25 and Canada’s groundbreaking mental health initiative will offer new ways for Canadians everywhere to get engaged and drive Bell’s funding of mental health care, research, anti-stigma and workplace initiatives across Canada.

http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/

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.  The Foundation raises funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.

www.mentalhealthns.ca

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Lewandowski, Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: jennifer.lewandowski@nshealth.ca