211 Nova Scotia

211 Nova Scotia provides a free helpline and online database that connects Nova Scotians to community and social services across the province.  The services is available 24/7, and connects people with resources that help support the following:

  • Food and nutrition services
  • Mental health concerns
  • Housing
  • Employment and training opportunities
  • Healthcare resources
  • And more

Phone: 211

Email: help@ns.211.ca

Website: https://ns.211.ca/

Access Wellness Nova Scotia

Access Wellness offers Nova Scotians a confidential counselling session that can be accessed by phone or text in either English or French; all services are provided virtually. Counsellors can help people manage:

  • Stress
  • Mild to moderate depression and anxiety
  • Relationship issues
  • General mental health concerns

Phone: (905) 895-9686

Website: https://go.lifeworks.com/access-wellness-nova-scotia-en

 

 

 

Action Canada Access Line

Action Canada’s Access Line is a confidential phone and text line available for questions about sexual health, pregnancy options, abortion, and safer sex. Action Canada provides information and can make referrals to sexual health providers. The phone line can be accessed 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Phone: 1-888-642-2725

Text: 613-800-6757

Email: access@actioncanadashr.org

Website: https://www.actioncanadashr.org/campaigns/call-access-line-1-888-642-2725

Area 82

Area 82 is a peer support group for people who have a desire to stop drinking alcohol. Offering an interactive online directory outlining locations and times, meetings are available in person and online most days of the week.

Amherst Location Phone: 902-667-7098

Amherst Location Email: aa.cumberland.ns.@gmail.com

Website: https://area82aa.org/

Autism Nova Scotia (Cumberland County)

Autism N.S. seeks to build understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistic individuals through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and community programs in Cumberland County such as:

  • Adult Social Group
  • Youth Social Group
  • Ausome Cooking Program
  • Employment and Wellness Support Group
  • Family Events
  • Youth and Adult Summer Camps

If you or someone you know may be interested in attending a program, please reach out to programming staff to ensure any support needs are met.

Toll Free Phone Number: 902-446-4995

Email: cumberlandcounty@autismns.ca

Website: https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/

Autumn House

Autumn House is a shelter for women and gender diverse people who have been abused by their partner. Autumn House is open all year round and services are free. General services include:

  • Counselling and information on abuse
  • Advocacy in accessing community resources
  • Support groups
  • Outreach services

Phone: 902-667-1344

Address: 41 Russell Street, Amherst, N.S.

Email: info@autumnhouse.ca

Website: https://www.autumnhouse.ca/

Avalon

Avalon provides supports and services to people affected by sexualized violence. Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Avalon provides free support to people of all genders, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and abilities. Services include:

  • Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
  • Community-Based Sexualized Violence Trauma Therapy Program
  • Legal Advocacy Program
  • Community Navigation Program

Phone: 902-422-4240

Address: 1526 Dresden Row, Suite 401, Halifax, N.S.

Email: info@avaloncentre.ca

Website: https://avaloncentre.ca/

Black Youth Helpline

Black Youth Helpline is a resource for racialized youth that provides the following:

  • Multicultural youth helpline – a point of contact in accessing professional services
  • Youth and family assessments and interventions
  • Stay-in-school initiatives
  • Parent and family supports including coaching and guidance
  • Systems navigation assistance
  • Community development initiatives including mentorship programs and violence prevention programs

Email: info@blackyouth.ca

Phone: 416- 285 – 9944

Website: https://blackyouth.ca/

BreeLove Counselling

Breelove Counselling is based out of Moncton, NB, and provides therapeutic services that are rooted within culturally and trauma informed frameworks for people over the age of sixteen. Services are available online, by phone, or in person to residents across Canada. Some of the services offered include:

  • Free 50 minute community counselling sessions Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Specialized therapies such as EMDR, art therapy, and nutritional psychology
  • Free 20 minute consultations
  • Professional development trainings and workshops

Phone: 506-248-0639

Email: info@breelove.ca

Website:https://www.breelove.ca/

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

The Canadian Men’s Health organization provides the information, tools, and inspiration needed for Canadian men to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The organization provides the following resources:

  • Information on common health issues for men including colorectal cancer, low testosterone, and prostate cancer
  • Exercise challenges, workouts, and inspiration
  • Mental health support including virtual group and individual counselling
  • Virtual men’s health check for common health conditions
  • Healthy eating guides, recipes, and access to dietician support

Phone: 604-737-2990

Website: https://menshealthfoundation.ca/

Choice Connect

Choice Connect is a free online resource that assists you with finding abortion providers in Canada. After answering demographic information, location, and appointment preferences, Choice Connect will provide a list of the closest abortion providers based on your needs.

Website: https://choiceconnect.ca/

 

Colchester Sexual Assault Centre

The Colchester Sexual Assault Centre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening, empowering, and supporting those impacted by sexual violence in a gender-equitable, compassionate environment. The CSAC provides several services and programs including:

  • Individual and group counselling
  • Aftercare programming
  • educational workshops and presentations
  • Community events

Phone: 902-897-4366

Email: info@colchestersac.ca

Address: 35 Commercial Street, Suite 403, Truro, N.S.

Website: https://www.colchestersac.ca/

Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading (CAN-U)

Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading (CAN-U) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping adults in Cumberland County improve their literacy, numeracy, and technology skills. Each learner is paired with an instructor to build a customized learning plan to reach their goals. Programs include:

  • General Educational Development (GED)
  • Digital Skills 101
  • Math Prep
  • Mental Wellness Skills for Work and Life
  • Pre-Employment Program

Phone: 902-661-0153

Address: 21 Acadia Street, 2nd floor, Amherst, N.S.

Email: office@canu-ns.ca

Website: https://www.canu-ns.ca/

Cumberland County Transportation Service

Provides reliable and affordable transportation services to residents of Cumberland County going to areas in Nova Scotia, PEI, and some parts of New Brunswick. All rides must be booked at least 24 hours in advance for local trips, or one weeks notice if outside of Cumberland County. Priority will be given to people travelling to medical appointments.

Phone: 902-667-8149

Email: cctsamherst@gmail.com

Website: https://cctscumberland.ruralrides.ca/

Cumberland County Youth Development Center

The Cumberland County Youth Development Centre provides essential services and resources for youth up to the age of thirty. Some services offered include:

  • Drop in activities and support for school-aged youth
  • Life skills workshops and programming
  • S.A.F.E. Space drop ins

Phone: 902-667-5659

Email: cumberland@maggiesplace.ca

Address: 17 Lawrence Street, Amherst, N.S.

Website: https://www.maggiesplace.ca/ccydc

Cumberland Homeless & Housing Support Association

CHHSA is Cumberland County’s first permanent emergency shelter that provides residents of Cumberland County who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness with services such as:

  • emergency shelter beds
  • showers and bathrooms
  • 3 meals per day
  • charging stations

Email: info@chhsa.ca

Phone: 902-669-1935

Address: 10 Prince Arthur Street, Amherst, N.S.

Website: https://homelessincumberland.ca/

 

Cumberland Mental Health Services

Cumberland Mental Health Services provides services to youth and adults in Cumberland County who are experiencing problems with substance use/gambling, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, or other mental health challenges. Some services may include:

  • Smoking cessation programs
  • Wellness Court
  • Behavioral intervention programs

Phone: 902- 667- 3879

Address: 33 Havelock Street, Amherst, N.S.

Website: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/clinics/cumberland-mental-health-services

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia is a community based organization that provides services and programs to support people in their eating disorder recovery, with no referral required. Most of the services are offered virtually and can be accessed anywhere in Atlantic Canada. Some services offered include:

  • Educational workshops and information sessions
  • One-on-one peer mentoring program
  • Drop in groups
  • Family and friends peer support group
  • Clinical services including a dietician and psychologist.

Phone: 902-229-8436

Email: info@eatingdisordersns.ca

Website: https://eatingdisordersns.ca/

Gay and Golden Coffee Group

The Gay & Golden Coffee Group is a local group for mature (40+) 2SLGBTQIA+ people who are seeking community and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Meeting twice a month, this is a fantastic way to connect with other 2SLGBTQIA adults in the area!

Address: 18 Lorne Street, Sackville, NB

When: Second and Fourth Tuesdays each month from 6 pm to 8 pm

Email: gayandgolden506@gmail.com

Halifax Sexual Health Centre

The HSHC aims to improve the sexual health of community members by providing high quality services that empower clients to make healthy choices. Services include:

  • STI testing
  • Pregnancy tests
  • Gender affirming healthcare
  • Free safer sex supplies
  • Free social worker support (with virtual sessions available)

Address: 7071 Bayers Road, Suite 302, Halifax, N.S.

Phone: 902-455-9656

Website: https://hshc.ca/

Hope for Wellness Helpline

Hope for Wellness is a support helpline for Indigenous people across Canada that is available 24/7 and can be accessed by phone or online chat. Both online and phone services are available in English and French; upon request, phone services are also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Phone: 1-855-242-3310

Website: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/about-us/

Online chat available on website

In the Works

In the Works strives to empower youth in mental health and/or addiction recovery to restructure their lives in a fulfilling and sustainable way so they can thrive. In the Works helps youth achieve their recovery goals by providing:

  • A hands on work environment
  • Health and wellness supports including exercise groups and cooking classes
  • Essential life skills such as resume building and first aid training

Address: 27 Prince Arthur Street, Amherst, N.S.

Phone: 902-397-1757

Email: itwsocialenterprisenetwork@gmail.com

Website: https://intheworks-asocialenterprisene.godaddysites.com/

Independent Legal Advice for Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault

The Independent Legal Advice program provides 2 hours of free, independent legal advice to adult survivors of sexual assault. All participating lawyers have been screened and have received training. The program respects survivors’ privacy and the right to make their own decisions – no legal action must be taken to utilize this service. Registering for this program is completed by phone, and meeting with your lawyer can be done in person or by phone.

Text or Call 211 to register for the ILA program.

Appointments are accessed virtually or in person.

Email: help@211.ca

Website: https://novascotia.ca/SexualAssaultLegalAdvice/

Kid’s Help Phone

Kid’s Help Phone is a 24/7 e-mental health service offering free and confidential support to kids, teens, and young adults across Canada. KHP provides a variety of services such as:

  • crisis support
  • tips and information on mental health
  • professional counselling through phone or text
  • access support service directory

Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Texting: 686868

Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-involved/about-us/about-kids-help-phone/

 

 

Maggie’s Place

Maggie’s Place is a nonprofit organization that seeks to strengthen and enhance the social development of children and their families by offering a variety of free programs and services such as:

  • Youth drop ins and outreach
  • Parenting programs and workshops
  • Prenatal/Postnatal support programs
  • Community – based home visitation support services

Phone: 902-667-7250

Email: cumberland@maggiesplace.ca

Cumberland County Address: 11 Elmwood Drive, Amherst, N.S.

Website: https://www.maggiesplace.ca/

New Directions

New Directions is a program designed to offer assistance to men who engage in harmful or abusive behavior. Offering several groups to meet different needs, men can explore how their behavior impacts their family unit while learning tools to create safer environments.

Phone: 902-667-4500

Address: 16 Church Street, Amherst, N.S.

Email: newdirections@autumnhouse.ca

Website: https://www.autumnhouse.ca/services

 

PrideHealth

PrideHealth provides services to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Nova Scotia. Some services offered include:

  • Referrals to affirming mental health and addictions providers
  • Information about STBBI testing and treatment services
  • Information about community resources including peer support, advocacy, and social groups
  • Website offering interactive tools to navigate hormone replacement therapy pathways, steps to access gender affirming surgery, and legal transition support

Phone: 902-487-0470

Email: prideHealth@nshealth.ca

Website:https://www.nshealth.ca/clinics-programs-and-services/pridehealth

prideHealth

prideHealth works to improve access to safe and comprehensive healthcare for people who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Services offered include:

  • Referrals to affirming mental health and addictions providers
  • Information and navigation support
  • Information about STI testing and treatment services
  • Information about community supports and resources

Phone: 902-487-0470

Email: prideHealth@nshealth.ca

Website: https://library.nshealth.ca/TransGenderDiverse/Home#s-lg-box-15941914

Reproductive Options and Services (ROSE) Clinic

The ROSE Clinic is a procedural abortion and medical abortion clinic. Clients seeking services can call the provincial self-referral line for information about the location and process for accessing the service.

Phone: 1-833-352-0719

Website: https://www.nshealth.ca/clinics-programs-and-services/rose-clinic-reproductive-options-and-services

Sexual Health Nova Scotia

Sexual Health Nova Scotia’s mission is to champion positive sexual health throughout the lifespan for all Nova Scotians. The SHNS member centres offer services and programs such as:

  • Support and guidance for sexual health concerns
  • Free or low-cost safer sex supplies
  • Referrals and assistance navigating the health care system
  • Educational programs in the community
  • Training for professionals on sexual health topics

Address: 109 Logan Rd., Unit 1B, Bridgewater, N.S.

Email: executivedirector@shns.ca

Website: https://shns.ca/

 

Strongest Families Institute

Designed using a Cognitive Behavioral approach, Strongest Families offer educational programs for families and youth in Nova Scotia related to confidence building, anxiety, and bedwetting. There is no waitlist, and programs are accessible by self-referral. All services are conducted virtually or by phone. Programs currently offered include:

  • Parents Empowering Kids (3-12 years old)
  • Defeat Anxiety (12-17 years old)
  • Chase Worries Away (6-11 years old)
  • Dry Nights Ahead – any age

Phone: 1-855-922-1122

Email: info@strongestfamilies.com

Website: https://strongestfamilies.com/#

Sugar Health

Sugar Health Nova Scotia offers a comprehensive online registry that helps connect community members to essential sexual, gender, and reproductive health services. The registry includes a searchable database of clinical services offered in the province that offer SGRH care, and a phone line for assistance in navigating the website or connecting with providers.

Text or Phone: 888-299-2066

Website: https://sugarhealth.ca/

 

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a nonprofit, grassroots organization that offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Trained operators are trans or gender diverse themselves, and are available Monday- Friday to support callers with a variety of concerns.

Phone: 877-330-6366

Website: https://translifeline.org/

Virtual Care Nova Scotia

Virtual Care NS is designed to provide Nova Scotians who do not have a family doctor with access to primary care providers online. Patients are seen on a first come, first serve basis, and doctors can send referrals, order labs, and write prescriptions. If the physician determines you must be seen in person, they will coordinate with you to make this possible. To begin, log in to your account on their website.

Email: VirtualCareNS@nshealth.ca

Website: https://www.nshealth.ca/clinics-programs-and-services/virtual-care-ns

 

YMCA of Cumberland County

The YMCA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Cumberland County by providing facilities, leadership development, and value based programs for all ages and abilities that encourage healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and service to the community. Some services include:

  • Group fitness classes
  • Recreation for seniors
  • Afterschool childcare
  • Leadership training
  • Access to swimming pool

Phone: 902-667-9112

Address: 92 Church Street, Amherst, N.S.

Website: https://www.ymcaofcumberland.com/

Youth Project

Youth Project is an organization that aims to provide support and services to youth 25 and under around issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Some services offered include:

  • Supportive counselling
  • Education
  • Gender affirming gear
  • GSA support
  • Referrals

Phone: 902-429-5429

Address: 2281 Brunswick St, Halifax, N.S.

Website: https://youthproject.ns.ca/