Local Resources and Contacts
IWK Central Referral - Call 464-4110 if you would like information on accessing the IWK's mental health programs.
Mental Health Crisis Line -1 800 668-6868
This provincial-wide service is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide mental health crisis intervention. The crisis line is staffed by licensed clinicians with a background in social work, nursing or occupational therapy. Staff will triage and assess each call for risk and safety issues, and will help the caller cope with their issue.
Youth Project - The Youth Project is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing support and services to youth, 25 and under, around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Metro Help Line - 421-1188
· Available to residents of Metro Halifax, all ages.
· Offers information, referrals, lay counselling, and crisis and suicide intervention.
· Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., daily
The Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team 429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)
(MHMCT) provides intervention and short term crisis management for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. We offer telephone intervention throughout the Capital District and mobile response in areas served by Halifax Regional Police including Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford. Our support is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful.
MHMCT also supports families, friends, community agencies and others to manage mental health crisis through education, outreach and consultation.
Telephone response: 9 a.m. – 5 a.m. Mobile response: 1 p.m. – 1 a.m.
(above information taken from their website)
This 12-week program is offered free by the IWK for any interested parents. It has been shown to be effective in helping reduce aggression and behaviour problems, as well as improving kids' ability to handle challenging social situations. The focus is on parenting skills and building positive relationships. Sessions are held at the East Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club, and usually fill up fast. You can contact the IWK at 460-4555 to register.
Parenting Journey
This family support program is funded through the NS Department of Community Services. It is voluntary and not connected to Child Protection, and offers free in home support for families with children aged 3-16. Help is offered in any of the following areas:
* Child & youth development * Parent-child bonding
* Parenting skills * Discipline and guidance
* Social networking * Attachment and nurturing
* Stress management * Problem solving
* Communication skills * Family life management
* Community resources
The contact person for our area is Tamara Thomas at the East Preston Family Resource Centre. Phone: 444-8071 Fax: 444-3527 Email: teemnova@yahoo.ca
The Strongest Families research team works hand in hand with families in Nova Scotia, helping them manage children’s anxiety and behaviour disorders so the family can thrive. Free counselling and support are offered by phone during scheduled appointments. Call Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie at 1 866 470-7111 to find out more or become involved. Check out the website above for more details, or the Strongest Families Facebook/Twitter accounts.
Information about recreational opportunities available to people of all ages at a reasonable cost through the HRM.
Ask Dr. Pat - Dr. Patrick McGrath is a psychologist, professor at Dalhousie University and Vice-President of Research at the IWK Health Centre, as well as a parent. If you have a question about parenting you can send it to him as well as see his answers to previous questions about all things related to raising children.
Helping Your Child Learn - Information on helping your child with homework, studying and organization.
Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre - The MFRC promotes the well being of all of those who share the experience of military life. They offer programs for children and youth, adults and families.
Helpline - This is a support and referral service operated by Feed Nova Scotia and funded in part by the province's Child and Youth Strategy. Helpline staff and volunteers provide non-clinical support and connect callers with the services that can best be of help to them. The nature of the calls often relate to parenting, domestic violence, loneliness and isolation, addictions, mental health issues, and food and housing concerns. Helpline can be reached from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. by dialling 421-1188 in the Halifax area and 1-877-521-1188 toll free throughout the rest of the province.
HealthLink 811 - If you have a non-emergency health related issue or question just call 811 to speak to a nurse who will give you information and advice on what to do. There is also a "Search Health Topics" feature that will give you more information on a full list of health topics from A to Z.
Directory of Nova Scotia Family Resource Centres - Family Resource Centres provide programs, services and supports in the following areas: Parent Education and Learning, Family Support, Child and Youth Development and Community Linkages
Halifax Public Libraries - Here you can find locations, activities, and borrow books.
Nova Scotia Department of Education- The provincial government website where you can find information about curriculum and more.
Halifax Regional Center for Education- School Center Website where you can find info about all our schools and links to PowerSchool etc.