Mental health care at Northwood gets big boost

HALIFAX – It was a big day for mental health care at Northwood in Halifax.

The organization launched the ‘Seeds of Success’ mental health program and strategy was launched on Tuesday.

A spokesperson says they’ve been trying to get this mental health initiative off the ground for some time, but it finally came together after a $100,000 donation from Marjorie Lindsay.

Lindsay sat on the first board of Northwood, and says she hasn’t lost sight of its importance and effectiveness as a long-term care facility, both to seniors and young people.

“I’ve been involved, over the years, in many different things, but never has there been anything in my heart like Northwood,” said Lindsay. “We are meeting the needs of many here at Northwood, not only seniors, young people, and this new program for mental health just, to me, is another sprout on the tree that Northwood is meeting a need.”

The ‘Seeds of Success’ program will be activity-based, with residents getting involved with things like gardening and greenhouse programs, physical activity, and creative expression. ‘Seeds of Success’ will be offered to all of the Northwood residents.

The program focuses on creating a safe and caring environment for residents of Northwood who deal with mental illnesses, and to encourage more interaction and activity among the residents. Northwood also hopes to increase the level of awareness and care its staff can provide to residents who experience mental health issues.

Northwood has partnered with Capital Health Specialty Mental Health Services, Nova Scotia Peer Support Specialist Program and with Transition Bay St. Margarets to ensure that the program is effective and makes a difference.

‘Seeds of Success’ mental health program and strategy are the first of their kind in Atlantic Canada.

“I’m thrilled about this mental health program, and I’m thrilled that as a, we are as a family, to be able to do a few little things to make it grow, just as Northwood has grown over all these years,” said Linsday.

Northwood plans to start working with participants of ‘Seeds of Success’ once the snow melts, and this spring’s gardening season begins.