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Care support for mental health, addictions in communities

CONTRIBUTED TRI-COUNTY VANGUARD

At-risk youth, adults with autism spectrum disorder, seniors and others will benefit from a wide range of programs supported through new provincial funding, including here in southwestern Nova Scotia.

More than $7.1 million in one-time grants will be distributed to community groups providing mental health programs such as mentorship, peer support, art and many others, the province said on March 10.

The programs range from promoting mental wellness to addressing specific mental

health concerns.

Recipients in the tri-counties, and also some province-wide recipients, include:

• Aidaen's Place Youth Wellness Center, Yarmouth: $100,000

• Digby alternative high school: $25,000

• Rally Point Retreat, Shelburne County: $75,000

• Tri-county Women's Resource Centre: $108,000

• Seniors Safety Program (western health zone): $90,000

• Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia: $3 million

• Autism Nova Scotia: $600,000

• Canadian Mental Health Association: $614,493

• Sexual violence victim support organizations: $79,700

The province notes the $3 million the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia will receive will go towards administering grants for mental health and addictions projects and services across the province.

"This funding will have a very direct impact in our communities at a grassroots level. It comes at a time when the demand for mental health support is great,” says Starr Cunningham, president and CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “The foundation's vision is to see Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction thriving in our communities.”

Added Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, "People lean into their communities when they're facing hard times and need support. Sometimes it's the art program or the drop-in at your local community centre that makes all the difference when you're struggling.”

About all the recipients across the province he said, “These groups are doing amazing work in their communities. We're happy to support them as they help people build resilience and stay well."

The province says this investment is in addition to annual funding of $6.1 million provided to community-based organizations across the province.

OPINION

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2023-03-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

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