Shelburne mental health group shuts down due to volunteer burnout, chair says
The Shelburne County Mental Health and Wellness Association, a non-profit organization in southwest Nova Scotia, is closing its doors due to volunteer burnout. The association, established a decade ago, aimed to raise awareness about mental illness and advocate for improved services in the area. However, Kevin Grant, the chairman of the board of directors, revealed that the organization struggled with a lack of volunteers. Those who did volunteer found themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks and grant applications, taking away from their original purpose of promoting mental health and enhancing services in Shelburne County.
Despite its challenges, the association managed to achieve notable milestones during its operation. It provided mental health first-aid training to community members, organized social events, and raised awareness about existing mental health services. One of its most impactful initiatives was the Nova Scotia Warm Line, a toll-free number that offered support to individuals facing mental health challenges. The service later expanded to provide assistance to seniors during the pandemic, connecting them with a similar program called A Friendly Voice based in Ontario.
The closure of the association has left a significant gap in mental health support in the region, according to Louann Link, a town councillor in Clarks Harbour. Link, who tragically lost her son to suicide in 2021, emphasized the importance of accessible mental health services in preventing such tragedies. She highlighted the need for immediate support during crises and advocated for the establishment of temporary-care facilities, or “safe houses,” in southwest Nova Scotia to provide help and supervision to those struggling with their mental health.
In response to her personal loss, Link founded the Let Your Light Shine Jevon Link Society to facilitate open conversations about mental health and offer training to identify signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. Her dedication to mental health advocacy reflects a broader community effort to address mental health challenges in southwest Nova Scotia and prevent future losses. The closure of the Shelburne County Mental Health and Wellness Association underscores the ongoing need for accessible and comprehensive mental health services in the region to support individuals in crisis and promote overall well-being.
