TRCWG Resources for Members Including Indigenous Specific Supports

This resource list was gathered by the Society’s Truth and Reconciliation Working Group (TRCWG) to connect Indigenous members, especially residential school survivors, their families and communities, with existing supports they can access to support them towards their healing journey.

The TRCWG does not specifically endorse any of these resources and recognizes that they may not provide the support that is needed. It is offered as a round-up of the most comprehensive list of options we are aware of.

Your individual/family Employee Assistance Program (EAP/EFAP) benefits, if available

An Employee Assistance Program or Employee Family Assistance Program is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessment, short-term counseling, referrals, resources, and follow-up services to employees and their family who have personal and/or work-related problems.

Check with your employer for detailed information to access the EAP/EFAP.

Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP)

Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program provides short-term counselling and health & wellness information to practicing Nova Scotia lawyers, their staff and families who may be experiencing health or personal problems. All inquiries are confidential, and services are available 24 hours a day. Just call toll-free helpline:1-866-299-1299.

www.nslap.ca/

5 King Street, Dartmouth, NS
902-429-4104

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing mental health crisis or mental distress.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support callers who present with suicidal thoughts, self-harming thoughts or behavior, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty coping with distress, psychotic or distorted thinking, depression, substance use difficulties or any other self-identified mental health concerns.

Anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them can call

Toll-free helpline: 1-888-429-8167. Website: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/services/provincial-mental-health-and-addictions-crisis-line

Maintaining Mental Fitness Webinar Series

Website: https://maintainingmentalfitness.com/

This free bi-weekly Mental Health Webinar series (Tactics for Maintaining Mental Fitness During the COVID-19 Pandemic) has been created to discuss and examine the key behaviors organizations and individuals can do to maintain Mental Fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For help or information about domestic violence

Website: https://women.novascotia.ca/resource-map

If you are seeking help or are looking for information about abuse, you can call the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia’s 24 hours toll-free helpline: 1-855-225-0220.

Indian Residential School Survival Society

Website: https://www.irsss.ca/faqs/how-do-i-reach-the-24-hour-crisis-line

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience.

For emotional and crisis referral services, call toll-free helpline: 1-866-925-4419.

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness

Website: www.hopeforwellness.ca

The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer services as counselling and crisis intervention. 

Call the toll-free helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat available on their website.

Mi’kmaq Crisis Line

Website: https://www.eskasonimentalhealth.org/

The Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Crisis and referral phone line is available 24 hours a day for the Mi’kmaq people across the province. The Centre also provides online support through the Eskasoni Crisis Worker Facebook account. Both are a service of Eskasoni Mental Health.

Call the Mi’kmaq Crisis Line toll-free helpline: 1-855-379-2099.

The Canadian Suicide Prevention Service

Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/

If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, the Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available 24 hours a day for voice and 4:00 pm to 12:00 am ET for text.

Call Crisis Services Canada toll-free helpline: 1-833-456-4566 & text messaging service at 45645.