Community Resources
Connecting with
others helps.
Connecting with others has shown to improve mental health reduce risk of suicide. Community groups and programs can reduce social isolation and develop shared understanding of ways to cope with life events.
Looking for
a program
or service?
Everyone’s needs are different and when looking for the right kind of support for you, it may be helpful to consider:
- Connecting with others who may share similar life experiences, cultural considerations, identities, or communities.
Recreation, sporting, arts, or clubs to connect with others with shared interests. - Programs that focus on how to stay mentally and physically healthy, and cope with stress.
- Programs and services that help you deal with life stresses that impact your mental health: finances, relationships, employment, housing etc.
- Programs specifically designed to address mental health concerns, mental illness and risk factors for suicide.
Where to start.
211
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.
Communities Addressing Suicide Together (CAST)
The CAST program has an extensive resource hub where you can find information on suicide loss, suicide attempts, prevention, intervention, post vention, safe messaging, risk factors, warning signs and more.
Offering
a program
or service?
Programs, services and supports that help improve men’s mental health, prevent suicide, or increase social connects should:
- Assist men to address life’s stressors by developing their personal coping strategies and reducing social isolation.
- Address underlying community conditions and environments, not just a limited range of self-destructive behaviours in men.
- Involve men from the community in developing and delivering the program.
- Address the specific needs of the community (e.g. cultural considerations, appropriate time and location etc.).
- Draw on men’s skills and strengths, rather than focusingon perceived failings.
- Be based on a sound understanding of suicidal behaviour and related factors.
- Include strategies to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors.