TRURO, N.S. — The cold weather slowed things down a little, but the CMHA expects to be in its new home by late June or early July.
“The cold fall interfered with being able to work comfortably,” said Susan Henderson, executive director of the Colchester-East Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. “Things are progressing really well now.”
The CMHA haD originally hoped to move into the former Bargain Shop building, at 859 Prince Street, by the end of May.
Henderson said the new beams have been installed, and when they were put in place the workers could see the roof rise a little bit. Asbestos has been removed from the furnace room, walls are being insulated and the roof is being replaced, a section at a time.
A section at the back of the building, which contained several small rooms, was gutted and will be used for storage.
“We hope to eventually have an area for transitional living at the back,” said Henderson. “We want a place people can feel safe while they fit back into the community.”
The CMHA has also purchased the empty lot next the building. It will be a green space, with benches where people can relax, and will have parking at the back.
The building once housed Woolworths, and Zellers used to be located in the now empty lot.
“We’d like to incorporate some memories from Woolworths and Zellers, and have a fresh and inviting look as well,” said Henderson.
SOUP Café will also eventually open at the new site.
The Colchester Credit Union will also have a kiosk of about 1,500 sq. ft. in the building.
The goal of the CMHA’s Branching Out fundraising campaign was to raise $1.5 million for the initial phase of renovations. Just over $1 million has now come in, and a ‘Worth the Wait’ promo campaign will soon be launched to revitalize efforts.
The building has 14,000 sq. ft. of floor space, and 10,400 sq. ft. of that will be renovated in the initial phase.
CMHA programs and services continue to be offered at the temporary location, at 574 Prince St.
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Mental Health Week events taking place May 6 - 12
Singing, dancing, sharing, yoga and reading are all part of Mental Health Week in Truro this year.
A completely new event is Walk Tall for Men's Mental Health, an evening for men to gather and listen to inspirational speakers.
“We’ve had such great success with Women and Wellness, and men have mental health issues too,” said Susan Henderson, executive director of the Colchester-East Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“Men are often told to ‘man up’ and expected to be strong emotionally, but they’re not exempt from mental health issues.”
Walk Tall will be held at the Marigold Cultural Centre and will include some great door prizes and refreshments.
There will be a community singalong and a day filled with opportunities to enjoy yoga.
The Bible Hill Kinsmen have partnered with the CMHA to put on this year’s Colchester Book Fair, which includes thousands of books at bargain prices.
“We’re putting a lot of focus on workplace mental health, and how to have a more positive workplace culture,” said Henderson. “In a survey, 61 per cent of employees felt their co-workers improved their mental health.”
About 500,000 Canadians miss work each week because of mental health concerns.
Schedule:
Monday, May 6
-Kick-Off Mental Health eek at NovelTea Bookstore Café
More details to be announced
Tuesday, May 7
-Walk Tall for Men's Mental Health
Marigold Cultural Centre at 7 p.m.
This event is open to men only.
RSVP at bit.ly/CMHAwalktall to attend.
Though this event is free, people are asked to make a donation to CMHA is they are able.
Funds raised will go toward the Branching Out building campaign.
MC: James Faulkner
Speakers are Andrew Lake, who will talk about being a caregiver, and Tyler Simmonds, who will address living with anxiety and depression.
There will be door prizes and refreshments.
Thursday, May 9
-Truro Sings! at Civic Square from noon until 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to sing and dance.
Friday, May 10
-4th Annual Colchester Book Fair: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
-4th Annual Colchester Book Fair: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
-Yoga Fest for mental wellness 8:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
By donation at the door to CMHA
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. - Joy Nicholson of Joyful Yoga Studio, at 64 Inglis Place
Classes at the Mindfulness Centre at the NSCC campus
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. – Leana Todd
11- 11:45 a.m. -| Danielle Crowell of Body Solace Studio
12:15 - 1 p.m. - Riley Winsor
1:30 - 2:15 p.m. - Micky Rigby of Yoga With Micky
