Resources
I have created a short list of different resources you may find helpful.
Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
Kids Help Phone has 24/7 online and telephone counselling and volunteer-led text support. It is available to youth throughout Canada and provides support in English and in French. Also, they can provide you with information about local community supports for adolescents and kids.
Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line - 1-888-429-8167
The Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line gives crisis support for individuals of all ages throughout Nova Scotia. They have 24/7 support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or in need of support because of substance use. Additionally, they help families, friends, community agencies and others with managing a mental health crisis.
Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Line - 1-800-721-0066
This line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. This line is available for individuals who were directly involved and their family members.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s website has a wealth of beneficial information for individuals who are facing grief and bereavement, this includes individuals with life-limiting illnesses, their caregivers and loved ones. Also, he is the author of many helpful books, and is a wonderful educator and speaker.
MyGrief.ca was created by the Canadian Virtual Hospice for individuals facing grief and bereavement from many different places. It is confidential and free and offers various educational and supportive programs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) includes traumatic childhood experiences like experiencing sexual or domestic violence. There is an incredible link between physical and mental health and the traumatic experiences we have when we are young. Learning about ACES and the connection to our health, can help us to understand the way trauma has impacted our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
This website can help you connect to mental health services, help and support in your community. It is a collection of different supports available throughout Canada.
Circle of Security International is an organization devoted to supporting families by educating families and professionals about childhood attachment and parenting. It has wonderful resources for parents including caregivers and fosters parents to help create a secure attachment with a child. I recommend their work for any caregiver of a young person.
The Neufeld Institute is devoted to sharing the knowledge of Dr. Gordon Neufeld. It focuses on parenting and caregiving for youth and how to create a secure and trusted relationship with them. This link connects you to the free resources on the non-profit’s website.
Michael Stone was an internationally recognized Buddhist teacher, author, and host of the Awake in the World Podcast. This is a link to several guided meditations on his website.
Free resources including videos and worksheets by Dr. Russ Harris who is one of the leading teachers and speakers on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.