Expanded access to mental health supports for Nova Scotians aged 16 and up

Togetherall, an online mental health support platform is now available in French and free to all Nova Scotians aged 16 and up through a partnership between Nova Scotia Health, the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, the Department of Advanced Education and IWK Health.

Togetherall was previously available to young people aged 16 to 29 through a one-year partnership with RBC Future Launch, the QEII Foundation, and Nova Scotia Health, as well as to post-secondary students and apprenticeship learners aged 30 and up, through an agreement with the Department of Advanced Education.

Togetherall is a safe and anonymous online peer-to-peer community moderated by registered clinical practitioners, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Togetherall members can share their thoughts and experiences by writing community posts, supporting others’ stories, creating art, or taking well-being courses and resources.

“So many Nova Scotians can benefit from access to online mental health supports such as Togetherall,” said Brian Comer, Minister of the Office of Addictions and Mental Health. “This tool is all about having a community to help people build resilience or cope with a specific life challenge. By making this tool available to more Nova Scotians we are expanding this community and fostering positive mental health.”

Nova Scotians 16 years and older are able to access Togetherall by visiting​ https://togetherall.com/en-ca/accessing-mental-health-support/nova-scotia-referrals/ and entering their postal code, or through a student email address. The service is now available in French.

“We know that post-secondary students are experiencing lots of life changes and we want to be sure they are successful,” said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. “I want students and other young people to know that they are not alone, and there are people and supports available to them whenever they may need it.”​

Togetherall is an evidence-based service that has proven to help members take control of their mental health, get support, and feel better. The service is for anyone struggling with common life stressors and/or mental health challenges, and who are looking for additional online support/resources.

“We’re delighted to continue offering Togetherall within our suite of e-Mental Health services,” said Sam Hodder, senior director of Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. “With the expanded reach to all adults and our French-speaking communities, we know that more Nova Scotians will benefit from having peer support and online community options to help them face challenges together.”

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“The online peer support platform Togetherall is an important part of the landscape of mental health and wellness support in Nova Scotia,” said Maureen Brennan, director, IWK Mental Health and Addictions. “Many youth will benefit from the immediate access to a community of support that creates meaningful connection, provides helpful coping strategies and opportunities to remind young people they are not alone.”

The platform has recently expanded to include a section on community discussion areas related to student life, health care workers, parents and caregivers, military community, work-life balance and health and lifestyle tips, among others.

Togetherall is featured at MHAhelpNS under the Online Tools tab along with many other free programs, apps, and resources promoting mental health and addictions recovery.

To learn more about Togetherall, visit:​ https://togetherall.com/en-ca/.

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Nova Scotians can call the Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service Line (toll-free) 1-855-922-1122, to be connected to a clinician Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This line has voicemail only on evenings, weekends and holidays. The Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone concerned about them. Call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167.

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Visit Mental Health and Addiction’s Program website, http://MHAhelpNS.ca, to learn more about our services, resources, and tools.