Funding For Community Mental Health Projects
Nova Scotians with mental illness are receiving more support in their communities with about $150,000 in funding for community- based projects.
Health Minister Angus MacIsaac is highlighting, for the second year, funding for local projects involving the people who use mental health services.
"This government has a plan to improve mental health programs across the province. These are meaningful projects that will support individuals with mental health issues and disorders, as well as providing important information to families, care providers and communities," said Mr. MacIsaac.
The seven local projects to receive one-year government funding include:
- Attention Deficit Association of N.S. in Lower Sackville receives $20,389 to develop an information kit for parents and care providers on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Lower Sackville;
- Building Community Capacity for Mental Health in Bridgewater receives $25,500 to establish a mental health information network, promote mental health knowledge and develop and maintain a district network of mental health consumers, family members and community organizations;
- Survivors of Abuse Recovering (S.O.A.R.) Society receives $37,300 to enhance its ability to deliver peer counselling, support groups, co-facilitation, community education and outreach. The group serves Hants, Kings and Annapolis counties and has assisted Yarmouth area residents in setting up a S.O.A.R. chapter;
- Schizophrenia Society, Cumberland County Chapter, receives $15,000 to provide half-day workshops in five communities (Amherst, Springhill, Oxford/Wallace, Parrsboro, River Hebert) to raise awareness of schizophrenia and mental illness;
- Crossroads in Sydney receives $20,000 for seed money to develop a business proposal and to secure additional funding to start a laundry service that will employ mental health consumers;
- Eating Disorder Action Group in Halifax receives $29,560 to develop and pilot a train-the-trainers manual, and to build capacity across the province for eating disorder self-help and support groups;
- Share & Care Self-Help and Support Group in Bridgewater receives $1,000 to produce public education materials.
"With this funding, we can bring together information from social workers, police, community services, legal professionals and others who work with people with mental illness on a regular basis," said Michael MacDonald, president of the Schizophrenia Society, Cumberland County Chapter. "Being the father of a young adult with schizophrenia, I am pleased to know that five communities in Cumberland County will be more informed on issues concerning mental illness."
The Halifax-based Eating Disorder Action Group is receiving funding for the project Building Capacity, Building Support: Self Help and Support Group Development for Individuals Experiencing Eating Disorders and their Families.
"We are pleased the Department of Health recognizes the seriousness of disordered eating and the positive impact local support groups can have with individuals and families," said Bethana Sullivan, the action group's executive director. "This project will help reach more people who have experienced the disorder, so they can use their strengths and stories to support one another and become healthier."
The department invited proposals from community groups in June 2003. Thirteen applications for funding were received. Mental health staff, with support from the district health authorities, then chose the seven finalists. Each finalist must complete a formal evaluation to make sure the projects deliver the benefits that were identified in the application process.
"I want to thank these volunteers for their leadership and vision," said Mr. MacIsaac. "All Nova Scotians want a healthier, more prosperous future. And these projects move us closer to that goal. I encourage people to submit proposals next year as we build on the work already started."
The program granted $150,000 to six community groups in 2002-03. Evaluations are not yet complete.