Funding for Community Mental Health Projects

Nova Scotians who use mental health services will benefit from an additional $127,000 in funding for community-based projects.

"This government is committed to improving community-based mental health services for the people who need these services," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Health. "The projects we are funding will remove barriers by providing employment and learning opportunities to benefit people who have mental illness, in the communities where they live."

Since 2002 the Department of Health has been funding year-long local projects that involve people who use mental health services.

The four projects receiving funding this year are:

• Illusions Art Gallery, Canadian Mental Health Association, Truro Branch: $40,000 to help the gallery develop into a business run by mental health consumers, which will eventually be for use by artists across the province;
• Evangeline Recreation Society in Kentville: $40,000 to establish a mobile special events kiosk -- a business that will allow mental health consumers to develop skills and earn a seasonal income;
• Self Help Connection in Dartmouth: $20,000 for the Nova Scotia Network Development Conference, which brings together people who use mental health services from across the province to look at forming a provincial network;
• Attention Deficit Association of Nova Scotia in Lower Sackville: $27,000 to develop an information package to help parents identify whether their child could have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).

"We're pleased that government has recognized the special employment needs of mental health consumers," said Rick Merrill of the Evangeline Recreation Society. "These needs result not only from their illnesses, but also from the side effects of their medications. It makes it especially important for us to create jobs to suit their special needs rather than expecting them to adapt to traditional jobs."

"The mobile special events kiosk will improve income and self-esteem issues for those involved and will enhance their sense of community," said Mr. Merrill.

This year, the Department of Health received 10 applications for funding from community groups across the province. Applications were screened by mental health staff and consumers, and chosen by the department. Each finalist must submit reports every six months and complete a formal project evaluation.

"These projects help provide opportunities for mental health consumers to gain new skills and to work in an environment that is developed to suit their needs," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Community mental health projects would not be possible without the leadership and vision of the many volunteers across the province who help us move closer to building a brighter, more inclusive future."