PRESS RELEASE: CMHA – NS Division partners with Community Health Boards in the Northern Zone, Recreation Nova Scotia and Municipal Recreation Department to Promote Winter Wellness

The Canadian Mental Health Association NS- Division has proudly partnered with Community Health Boards in the Northern Zone, Recreation Nova Scotia, Municipal Recreation Departments and the Colchester East-Hants branch to inspire and promote local access to activities that enhance healthy active living and support mental wellness.

Beginning in January, and continuing through the months of February and March, Northern Zone Community Health Boards (CHBs) in partnership with key stakeholders are working collaboratively to promote and offer a variety of activities that encourage physical activity, outdoor play, social connection (following covid-19 guidelines) and mental wellness.

These activities have included community-wide outdoor winter wellness challenges, winter activity guides, guided hikes, family skates and online challenges just to name a few!

“The opportunity to collaborate with our Northern Zone Community Health Boards, Municipal Recreation and our Colchester East Hants Branch is a mental health and wellness win for communities across Nova Scotia. And in the spirit of collaboration, with the goal of better mental wellness for all, CMHA-NS Division will be challenging other zones and communities to get involved and share their winter wellness activities with us so we can grow this initiative.” – Pamela Magee, Executive Director, CMHA – NS Division

“During the winter months, we tend to stay inside more, socialize less, and move less.

But, being active during these months can be effective in improving our overall health, fitness, and happiness. Having local Community Health Boards partner with Recreation Nova Scotia and Canadian Mental Health in a collaborative effort, will help us set bigger challenges, create more awareness, and schedule more activities across Nova Scotia.” – Joel Taylor, Co-Chair – Truro and Area Community Health Board.

“Physical activity is an important part of good mental health. Regular activity means a better sleep, improved mood and increased confidence.

Others have been able to decrease medications. Everyone has mental health, and this has never been more important to understand than during this time of COVID. By joining efforts these community organizations are demonstrating the importance of encouraging healthy lifestyles, including positive mental health. By combining efforts they can ensure maximum awareness of existing safe opportunities to be active and connect with others.” – Susan Henderson, Executive Director, CMHA – Colchester East Hants

“Take the Roof Off Winter is our winter active campaign that helps Nova Scotians of all ages improve their health and quality of life by being active during the winter months. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Community Health Boards in the Northern Zone to spread the word of the importance of outdoor recreation with an interactive and educational campaign. Being active outdoors during the winter months has positive impacts on our physical and mental health. It helps relieve stress, improves sleep, and boosts your overall mood. So, enjoy winter and try to make outdoor winter activities a regular part of your day – you might be surprised at all of the great benefits.” – Jacqualine Sommers, Communications Assistant, Recreation Nova Scotia

Contact your local Community Health Board for more information on how you or your organization can get involved at www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/find-your-chb.

Follow on Facebook:

• Active East Hants
• Colchester East Hants Community Health Boards CMHA – Colchester East Hants Truro Parks & Recreation
• Colchester County Recreation
• Recreation Nova Scotia

Visit our CMHA-NS Division’s Wellness Hub calendar https://caringtogether-cmhans.ca/ to find our what activities are going on in your community.