CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch

Read our Spring 2020 Newsletter:

CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Newsletter Spring 2020

June 02, 2020

CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth extends suspension of in-person programming until the week of July 6^th, 2020. Phased-in re-opening notice.

RE: COVID-19 Pandemic

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Halifax-Dartmouth Branch has extended the suspension of all in-person programming and face-to-face meetings until the week of July 6^th, 2020. We will be using a phased-in approach.

In-person programming, including our Among Friends and Sharing Caring Social Clubs, will initially be off-site. The re-opening of indoor social programming, as well as drives by staff/volunteers, will depend on our ability to follow social distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. More details will be provided at the end of June about off-site programming locations. Calls and deliveries to program members will continue throughout the month of June. Our storefront office at 2020 Gottingen Street, will re-open on July 6^th respecting social distancing guidelines.

If you have any questions, please leave a message at 902 455-5445 or email bev.cadham.cmha@bellaliant.com or margmurray.cmha@bellaliant.com .

Our social program members and volunteers can also leave messages for staff at the following #’s: Among Friends Social Club 902 463-2187; Sharing & Caring Social Club 902 455-0072; Building Bridges Program 902 455-6983. Messages and emails will be checked on a regular basis, Monday-Friday (9:30 am – 5:00pm). Please leave your phone number and the best time to call you back. For updates about our organization online go to: Web www.cmhahaldart.ca ;Twitter @CMHAHalDart Facebook /CMHAHalDart ; Instagram: cmhahaldart.

We will begin a weekly online chat via Zoom soon. Please email either of us to receive a link for our first Zoom Chat. We are monitoring developments with COVID-19 and will follow the recommendations of our public health authority. We know this has been a challenging time and we appreciate your kindness, patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Bev Cadham and Marg Murray

Branch Co-Managers

Summer Jobs – Community Service Workers (3 positions) tentatively begin July 6th, 2020.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18-30 and have post secondary education in a related field. A valid driver’s licence with a clean driving abstract is an asset. Applicants with lived experience and barriers to entering the labour market are encouraged to apply.  Resume and cover letter must be sent via e-mail by 5pm, Friday, June 5th, 2020 to margmurray.cmha@bellaliant.com  

Read more…. Summer Jobs CMHA Halifax Dartmouth Branch 2020 application deadline June 5 5pmR

Please enjoy our first Virtual Mental Health Community Coffee House Video
https://youtu.be/TxmTeu2OGNc

Happy Mental Health Week💚
#SocialConnection
#TogetherApart

Mental Health Week  is May 4-10.  The 2020 theme is Social Connection.                                           

We often say “I’m fine” even when that is not the case. It can keep us at arm’s length from real social connections with others.

To learn more, visit our CMHA National website: https://mentalhealthweek.ca/

We want to thank everyone who has donated to our organization during the past few weeks in support of our social program members.  Special thanks to the United Way Compassion Fund, Anna Quon’s Poetry for Groceries Fundraiser, Jill Edward’s Hali Smiles Project, Joel S., Sobeys and Lake City Works.  To view pictures and more information visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CMHAHalDart

Several people have been asking how they can donate to our organization online.  Here are our links for canadahelps and the paypal Giving Fund.  A tax receipt is issued immediately.  

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/4834

https://www.paypal.com/…/fundraiser/1125746…/charity/3421171

We are still working behind the scenes and checking messages. This is a challenging time but we are “all in this together” (virtually).  We have included our contact information and a list of useful resources.

Stay Safe and Stay Home!

—————————————————————————————————————————————–MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY RESOURCES & COVID-19 Information (HRM)

CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch

As we continue to monitor developments, our in-person programming and Mental Health Community Coffee Houses are suspended until at least May 1^st 2020 but you can still reach us:

• Main Line: 902-455-5445 or email cmhahal@ns.aliantzinc.ca
• Co-Managers: bev.cadham.cmha@bellaliant.com  margmurray.cmha@bellaliant.com
• Social Program Members can leave messages for staff at:                                                  Among Friends Social Club 902-463-2187                                                                                 Sharing & Caring Social Club 902-455-0072                                                                             Building Bridges Program 902 455-6983                                                                              Messages and emails are checked regularly weekdays, 9:30am -5:00pm (excluding holidays).  Please leave your phone number and the best time to call you back

• You can also find updates about CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch online: cmhahaldart.ca

811

Before you call 811, visit the 811 Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool – When to call 811:  https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en  (if you do not have access to the Internet, just call 811)

211 Nova Scotia

You can call 211 24/7 to find information about community and social services in your area. Website: ns.211.ca

Just announced: to help people who need additional supports, 211 will launch Saturday, April 11, a new service to connect people needing COVID-19 assistance with the Canadian Red Cross. The Red Cross will act as a navigator to link people to the services they need. In addition, the Red Cross will offer wellness check-ins for Nova Scotians who are isolated and experiencing loneliness and anxiety

For COVID-19 Updates*

• NS provincial COVID19 information updates: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
• Government of Canada Covid-19 website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
• Health Canada COVID-19 information line (long wait times): 1-833-784-4397; covid19.aspc@canada.ca
• *If you don’t have access to Internet, tv or radio you can call 211 (211.ca) for updated information on COVID-19 

Halifax Regional POLICE  

• Emergencies call 911
• Non-Emergency dispatch call 902-490-5020
• Victim Services: 902-490-5300 (Text 902-497-4709 for hearing impaired) / Email victimservices@halifax.ca
• ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• Mental Health Crisis Line(24/7) for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or if you are concerned about someone in a crisis:902-429-8167 / 1-888-429-8167 (Toll Free)

Pause Mental Health Walk-In Clinic (by phone during the COVID-19 Pandemic) (Operated by the North End Community Health Centre                                                            Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5pm-9pm, call toll free 1-800-598-5270.  Call and leave a message with the best time to call you back. The Pause Coordinator will call you back with an appointment time.

Department of Community Services: Employment Support Income Assistance (ESIA) Line

Regular business hours (8:30am – 4:30pm) call 1-877-424-1177

Evenings (4:30 – 7pm), Saturday (8:30am – 4:30pm) and Sunday (10am – 2pm) call 1-833-722-1417

NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service if you have mental health or addiction-related concern for yourself or someone else you can call 1-855-922-1122 and NSHA Mental Health and Addictions Program staff will help guide you in what steps to take next.

To view the new online mental health services visit www.nshealth.ca/mental-health-addictions. You can also have a look at bit.ly/NSHA_OnlineResources to access three different #SelfHelp opportunities

CMHA Online Wellness Support Group Sessions

For more information contact Keith Anderson CMHANS-CBLead@novascotia.cmha.ca

CMHA Nova Scotia (NS Division Office)

For non-clinical mental health psycho-social support throughout COVID-19, visit the CMHA Wellness Hub at novascotia.cmha.ca or call 1-877-466-6606 (Toll Free)

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Connect with Healthy Minds every Wednesday for “Let’s Connect”, a weekly #SelfCare and #PeerSupport online support. Contact Healthy Minds at 902-404-3504 / http://www.healthyminds.ca 

Community Health Team (CHT) Wellness Navigations by Phone

CHTs cannot see people in person right now but are currently available to provide navigation services by phone.  If you would like to see if a phone navigation is a good choice for you, call 902-460-4560 and choose option 1 (Bedford), 2 (Chebucto), 3 (Dartmouth) or 4 (Halifax). You can also visit CHTs on Facebook and Twitter for helpful tips during this stressful time

Strongest Families

Access the I-CAN Anxiety Program for skills to manage anxiety and excessive worry by calling 1-866-470-7111 (Toll Free) / strongestfamilies.com

HRM Libraries: Ask the Library Line: 902-490-5753 for questions about the library, basic questions about COVID-19 or just to chat! 

National Crisis Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 / Text 45645
• Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory 1-877-746-1963
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1855-242-3310
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 / Text CONNECT to 686868
• National Eating Disorder Information Ctr. 1-866-633-4220

Remember: Stay indoors, stay well and please reach out! 

CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch maintains a more extensive listing of community resources throughout the year. If you would like a copy at any time, just let us know!

In light of the concerns around COVID-19, and the fact that the Halifax Public Libraries have cancelled their public programming, we have decided to postpone this event until a later date.

Please stay tuned and come out to support our storytellers in the spring.

In light of the concerns around COVID-19, and the fact that the Halifax Public Libraries have cancelled their public programming, we have decided to postpone this event until a later date. Please stay tuned and come out to support our storytellers in the spring🌷

We exceeded our goal of $5,000!  If you still need to honour a pledge, you can donate via our Canada Helps link https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-mental-health-association-halifax-dartmouth-branch/                                                                                           You will receive a tax deductible receipt.  Please let us know which bowler/team you are honouring.

You can view pictures from this event by visiting our  facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CMHAHalDart

MOSAIC SUBMISSION FORM 2020