ISANS receives mental health and addictions community wellness grant

March 24, 2025 (KJIPUKTUK/ Halifax) – Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding through the Mental Health and Addictions Community Wellness Grant program to develop the Wellbeing for All program. This three-year initiative aims to create and implement holistic, culturally safe mental health services for underserved newcomer populations, including 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers.

“We are grateful for the support of the Office of Addictions and Mental Health Nova Scotia,” said Paula Knight, CEO of ISANS. “Our Wellbeing for All program is designed to address the critical gaps in mental health care access faced by newcomers. By providing culturally responsive services, we aim to enhance the settlement experience and foster a more inclusive community in Nova Scotia.”

This initiative aligns with the provincial government’s broader Action for Health strategy to address the underlying factors impacting health and well-being. By fostering partnerships with community organizations like ISANS, the government aims to enhance access to universal mental health care while empowering local communities to take charge of their collective wellness.

“We received tremendous interest in response to this funding. It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many community organizations supporting Nova Scotians,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “They are an essential part of the system of care for mental health and addictions, and I’m grateful for everything they are doing. The connections these organizations have within the community help people access support closer to home.”

ISANS has a proven track record of supporting newcomer mental health through initiatives like the Newcomer Community Wellness Program, which offers wellness support groups, individual counselling sessions, and advocacy services.

“The Wellbeing for All program will focus on delivering tested wellness programs tailored to diverse newcomer communities,” said Wenche Gausdal, ISANS Director of Settlement, Integration & Support Services. “It will also enhance the capacity of settlement agencies and the mental health system to provide culturally safe care by developing new service offerings and sharing best practices with partner organizations. We are collaborating with the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia to create wellness activities and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers to ensure that the activities are relevant, accessible, and empowering, ultimately helping newcomers thrive in their new community.”

The multi-year funding provides stability for recipient organizations like ISANS, allowing them to focus on delivering impactful programs rather than navigating frequent grant applications. This ensures that vulnerable populations—such as newcomers—receive consistent and culturally competent mental health services.

For more information about ISANS Mental Health and Wellness programs, visit isans.ca.