Former employees say ‘toxic work environment’ of N.S. mental health non-profit led to sudden closure
Former employees of Laing House, a Nova Scotia drop-in centre for youth with mental illness, have come forward to shed light on the toxic work environment that ultimately led to the closure of the organization. Colin Bullard, who worked at Laing House for over three years, described a culture of gossip, backbiting, and dishonesty among staff members, causing a high level of stress and tension within the workplace. When Bullard and a group of staff members could no longer tolerate the toxic environment, they filed a wave of complaints with their union, the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).
Sandra Mullen, president of the NSGEU, confirmed that multiple complaints were made under the employer’s respectful workplace policy. She expressed surprise at the closure of Laing House, noting that the organization had significantly reduced its staff from around 20 to just a handful before shutting down. The union was actively working through the issues with the employer when the closure occurred.
Other former staff members echoed Bullard’s complaints, highlighting similar issues within the organization. Despite these allegations, Laing House has remained tight-lipped about the situation. The organization’s chairperson, Jane Machum, declined an interview request and stated that they are reflecting on their model, undergoing strategic planning, and searching for a new executive director. The former executive director, who left the position, did not respond to CBC News’s inquiries.
The closure of Laing House has had a profound impact on its members, such as Kelsey Doucette, who relied on the organization for support with her mental health struggles. Doucette emphasized the significant role Laing House played in her recovery and expressed shock at the sudden closure. The absence of the drop-in centre has left a void in the lives of many members, with no other organization quite like it to fill the gap.
The NSGEU has raised concerns about the lack of services for Laing House’s clientele and has reached out to government officials for intervention. The Office of Addictions and Mental Health in Nova Scotia is aware of the closure and has listed alternative support services available to youth in the region, including virtual counseling and support programs.
Despite the challenges faced by former employees and members of Laing House, they remain hopeful that the organization will reopen and continue to provide much-needed support to the community. The closure of Laing House has been described as a devastating blow to the mental health community, but there is optimism that with the right changes and support, the organization can once again become a beacon of light for those in need.
