News release

Funding for Grief, Bereavement, Mental Health Supports

Office of Addictions and Mental Health
Mass Casualty Commission Response
mental health
NOTE: The list of grant recipients follows this release.

The Healing Pathways Community Fund has awarded grants to 14 community-based organizations offering grief, bereavement and mental health supports in Colchester, Cumberland and Hants counties.

“People experience grief in different ways, and we have to make sure there are varying options available that meet everyone’s individual needs,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “That’s why it’s so important we support community-based organizations who are in the best position to understand what people are going through. Thank you to the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association for overseeing this work. I know it is going to have a lasting impact.”

The Healing Pathways Community Fund is providing one-time grants of up to $50,000 to the organizations. Grief, bereavement and mental health supports will be available for all ages and could include:

  • training in supportive grief and loss
  • development of digital and online information resources
  • individual and group programs
  • creation of indoor or outdoor designated spaces
  • outdoor activities designed to improve emotional health.

The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association co-ordinates funding and works with the government, communities and Nova Scotia Health to co-ordinate the delivery of grief, bereavement and emotional wellness services.

Quotes:

“Research increasingly shows the complexity, volume and lasting effect of grief on an individual’s health, social connections and economic well-being and the impact local organizations can make in their communities. Today, as a partner with the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada, we are working to help organizations provide resources in their community, with their community and for their community to support people in their experiences of grief and bereavement.”
— Tim Guest, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association

“Our project is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves a space to heal, connect and experience joy. This grant allows us to expand our support beyond the classroom, complementing the work we already do at our school. Through experiences like equine therapy and theatre outings, we can offer additional layers of care that nurture resilience and positivity in our students. We’re incredibly grateful for this support, as it empowers us to make a real difference in their lives during such a crucial time.”
— Ashley Fletcher, learning support teacher, West Colchester Medical Society

Quick Facts:

  • this initiative is part of the government’s work to address recommendation C.13 in the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report, which called for mental health, grief and bereavement supports in Colchester, Cumberland and Hants counties
  • this work is supported by a two-year funding commitment of $2.3 million, part of the $18-million joint investment from the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada announced in spring of 2023
  • the first round of Healing Pathways funding will support Colchester, Cumberland and Hants counties; the second round will expand across the province

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association news release and more information about grant recipients: https://nshpca.ca/nova-scotia-hospice-palliative-care-association-awards-first-round-of-healing-pathways-community-fund-grants/

Support for communities impacted by the April 2020 mass casualty: https://novascotia.ca/community-support/

New release – More Funding for Grief, Bereavement, Mental Health Supports: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/06/10/more-funding-grief-bereavement-mental-health-supports

Mass Casualty Commission final report: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/final-report/

Healing Pathways Community Fund grant recipients:

  • Advocate & District Development Association ($4,365.40) – operates a community hall in Advocate Harbour and hosts events for the community; the organization will replace aging equipment to better support the community

  • Bass River Fire Brigade ($12,344.30) – will fund specialized trauma-informed training from Dougy Center, a national grief centre for children and families based in Portland, Ore., as well as Wilfrid Laurier University’s death, dying and bereavement certificate; after training, workshops will be provided to first responders and firefighters in the area

  • Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia and Colchester East Hants divisions ($6,654.42) – they have collaborated with artist and author Holly Carr and the Portapique Community Build Up on the Holly Carr Story Trails Project, which connects art, nature and mental wellness through an interactive experience that generates safe discussion around the topics of fear, anxiety and hope

  • Colchester East Hants Community Hospice Society ($39,167) – working through its Hug Centre (Hope and Understanding for the Grieving), the society’s project will support children experiencing grief and bereavement

  • Cumberland County Hospice Palliative Care Society ($45,246.00) – will create a grief support program that will be available to all residents of Cumberland County and support referrals from the palliative care team

  • Kemptown and Area Recreation Association ($660.00) – support for hosting a free monthly open mic/music jam for older Nova Scotians

  • Lukeslegacyns Memorial Society ($17,490.00) – will create an after-school program for students aged grade four and up, focusing on grief and loss related to the mass shooting events in Nova Scotia

  • Maggies Place Family Resource Centre in Cumberland County ($3,100) – launching an outreach support program in Wentworth, which will include free recreational items like snowshoes for winter activities, promoting physical wellness and community connection; also installing a tap at the Wentworth Learning Centre to provide clean drinking water

  • Millbrook First Nation/Millbrook Mental Health ($46,350) – will provide a confidential and secure area where kids can process their emotions, build resilience and develop coping skills after experiencing trauma

  • Portapique Community Centre ($45,000) – the Community Care & Connect initiative aims to foster community engagement and support in Five Islands and Londonderry through two dedicated outreach sites; the program will create regular, accessible spaces for residents to gather, connect with neighbours and access various programs and services

  • STEPs on Arthur ($4,801) - the STEPs into Music program aims to establish a music therapy program for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, serving 83 participants aged 20-70

  • Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce ($17,600) – will provide wellness resources for businesses designed to support entrepreneurs and their employees; plans include events to discuss mental health challenges entrepreneurs face, a social media campaign to promote mental health resources for entrepreneurs, a survey to understand members’ needs, and discussions with business owners to create opportunities for meaningful connections

  • Wallace Area Development Association ($48,000) – will fund Connecting Community Spaces, a shaded seating and garden area for peaceful reflection and an inclusion playground for children

  • West Colchester Medical Society ($13,495) – will support grieving children at West Colchester Consolidated School through equine-assisted therapy, yoga for grief, access to therapy dogs, and a field trip to Ships Company Theatre ($13,495)

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