REACH Lab

09/22/2026

You know your community, and you know what it’s like trying to find support when you or someone you care about needs it. We want to learn from you.

We’re inviting people living in rural Northern and Eastern Nova Scotia to take part in a research study about mental health and substance use care in their communities.

We want to better understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what could be better. Most importantly, we want to hear from community members about what they would like mental health and substance use services to look like where they live.

This fall, we’ll be hosting in-person, workshop-style discussions in:
📍Antigonish County (Wednesday, Oct. 14; Registration now closed)
📍Cape Breton County (Monday, Oct. 19, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)
📍Inverness County (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)
📍Pictou County (Monday, Oct. 26, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)

Interested? Complete this brief form to let us know: https://stfx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uvXyZQolOU9FUW

Prefer to connect with us directly, or have questions?
📞 902-867-5258
✉️ [email protected]

09/11/2026

When it comes to mental health and substance use services in your community, what’s working? And what needs to change?

We want to hear from people with firsthand experience.

Through small group discussions, we’re hoping to better understand what’s working well, where people are running into challenges, and what could make care better in rural communities.

Workshops will take place this fall in:
📍Antigonish County (Wednesday, Oct. 14; Registration now closed)
📍Cape Breton County (Monday, Oct. 19, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)
📍Inverness County (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)
📍Pictou County (Monday, Oct. 26, 4:30 - 8:00 PM)

Interested? Complete this brief form to let us know: https://stfx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uvXyZQolOU9FUW

Prefer to connect with us directly, or have questions?
📧 [email protected]
📞 1-902-867-5258

07/24/2026

We're excited to share this opportunity from our friends at Well NS Research!

If you're a youth aged 13–17 or a parent or caregiver of a child or youth, we'd encourage you to take part in the WellNS Child, Youth & Family Survey.

By sharing your experiences, you'll contribute to research that will help inform future programs, services, and policies that support children, youth, and families across the province.

Learn more or participate today at wellnssurvey.ca.

04/13/2026

We’re happy to share this fantastic free opportunity from Hope for Mental Health:

Biology and Management of Depression/Trauma & Supporting Self Advocacy

This online program is designed for individuals who have experienced depression or trauma, as well as family members supporting someone living with mental illness or addiction.

💬 Learn how life experiences impact the brain
💬 Build self-awareness, confidence, and coping skills
💬 Connect in a small, supportive group (max 5 participants)

📍 Delivered via Zoom over 8 sessions (1.5 hours each)
💲 Free and open to anyone in Nova Scotia

Please note: this program is not a replacement for professional counselling or therapy.

📧 For more information or to register: [email protected]

Openings available!!

Biology and Management of Depression/Trauma and Supporting Self Advocacy 8 - week education program.

Sessions will run:

May 2nd - June 20th - 10am-11:30am weekly
May 5th - June 23rd - 10am-11:30am weekly
May 7th -June 25 - 10am-11:30am weekly

the program is First come first serve, save your spot and Register today: https://www.hope4mentalhealth.ca/cgi/page.cgi/_evtreg.html?fee=74&evt=22®cmd=register

12/08/2025

At the REACH Lab, we understand that meaningful change happens when research listens to and reflects the realities of our communities.👥💬

That’s why we’re forming a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), and we’re inviting adults in Northeastern Nova Scotia to join us.

Who can join? Adults who:
• Live in Pictou County, Antigonish County, or Cape Breton
• Have lived or living experience of a mental health condition, or care for someone who does
• Want to help guide research that strengthens community-based mental health care

Why join LEAP?
• Share your experiences and ideas to influence research and services
• Flexible, online meetings (60–90 min) roughly every two months, with optional written feedback
• Compensation provided

📧 Interested? Email us at [email protected] to learn more or get involved.

Please also feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested!