Series - Editorial Fellowship: Transforming Volunteerism and Work

Volunteer emergency responders in Nova Scotia to receive more mental health support

Author Shannon VanRaes
Two-year-long pilot project aims to better understand needs of volunteers

Why It Matters

In many rural communities, emergency services are provided by dedicated volunteers. Having mental health support helps them continue to help others.

A new pilot program provides Nova Scotiaโ€™s volunteer firefighters and volunteer search and rescue technicians in that province with access to mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Nova Scotia Firefighter and Ground Search and Rescue Volunteer Assistance Program gives first responders and their families access to wellbeing and health services like family and personal counselling, stress management and dietary guidance.

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