Youth Mental Health Outreach Expands to More Communities

More junior high and high school students in Nova Scotia are now able to access mental health support through expanded outreach programs.

Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey provided an update on the expansion today, Feb. 7, at Hants North Rural High School in Kennetcook, Hants Co.

“These programs provide resources and mentoring to build resilience among junior high and high school students, making sure they have the skills and supports necessary to handle challenges life may throw their way,” said Mr. Delorey. “This approach has helped many young people in Cape Breton and I am proud to see it expanding to more communities.”

The adolescent outreach program, originally called CaperBase, started in Cape Breton in 2009. Government is investing almost $1 million annually for 11 new mental health and addictions staff to expand the program.

This expansion includes 41 schools in western and northern Nova Scotia.

In August 2017, Dr. Stan Kutcher, an expert in adolescent mental health, recommended government expand the CaperBase program to other parts of the province to improve mental health supports for youth.

“This program allows us to provide brief and early intervention in schools in small towns and rural Nova Scotia,” said John Rossong, mental health and addictions manager for community home supports, partnerships and outreach with Nova Scotia Health Authority. “We’re in the beginning stages of rolling out the program but already see the forging of strong partnerships with our public health and education partners to improve the health outcomes of youth.”

The youth mental health outreach programs are operated by the Nova Scotia Health Authority. The new locations began accepting clients last fall.

Since the launch of the expansion more than 4,000 youth accessed the program in the northern and western zones.