NSMoms Initiate Historic Shift in Healthcare Landscape
Today marks a historic shift in Nova Scotia's healthcare landscape. As the PHIA 38(1)(d) amendment officially becomes law, we celebrate more than just a legislative change---we celebrate a victory for compassion and common sense! This is a step toward a system that recognizes caregivers as the essential partners they are.
By prioritizing collaboration. we are protecting the lives and safety of our most vulnerable citizens. Our work continues until EVERY person with serious mental illness is supported by a circle of care that values family and trusted caregivers. This achievement belongs to everyone who refused to stay silent about the need for better information sharing and caregiver collaboration. Our focus now is to influence a culture shift that ensures a TRULY compassionate and collaborative mental health care system for all Nova Scotians. But today, we celebrate this leap forward!
Help for Caregivers
Dr Richard O'Reilly is well known for his work in Ontario and other Canadian provinces promoting legislation to ensure that people suffering with severe mental illness receive timely and appropriate treatment. In this video he provides very specific advice on methods that caregivers and advocates can use to overcome difficulties they incur in obtaining treatment for our loved ones with serious mental illness.
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Conversations about Mental Illness
Pictured above from left to right: Julia Bedell, Leah Ladouceur and NS Mom, Cyndi Corbett. Leah spearheaded the first session of CAMI (Conversations About Mental Illness) with the support of the NSH Mental Health & Addictions Health Promotion Team. Participants included individuals representing various mental health organizations within NS. It is hoped that this is one of many future conversations to promote flourishing for all Nova Scotians.
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Moms meet with Caregivers NS
Jenny Theriault, Executive Director of Caregivers NS (CNS), and JoAnne Connors, Caregiver Support Coordinator Capital Region, met with Moms Cyndi Corbett and Denis Riordan on March 3rd......
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Moms describe being trapped in a cycle of anguish when a loved one faces mental health crises
Nancy Saunders is pictured with her son Ben Brennan in this undated photo, Ben Brennan died by suicide in April 2023 at age 29. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout Nancy Saunders-(Mandatory Credit) Nancy Saunders
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Nancy Initiates the NS Moms in 2024
Mom Nancy Saunders speaking with CTV News. In 2024 Nancy said her son Ben was with her and gave her the courage to speak. The story made the national news, July 17, 2024.
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A Word from Kathy
As President of the Family Alliance on Severe Mental Illnesses, I wholeheartedly endorse the work of the Nova Scotia Moms-For Compassionate & Collaborative Mental Health Care. Their work truly inspires and strengthens all of our resolve to keep fighting for an improved mental health system that adequately meets the needs of our loved ones so that they may live the best life that they can ....
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NSMoms Meeting, November 2025 - Mothers share experiences. NS Moms gathered on Nov. 22nd at Cyndi & Dennis Corbett’s home to celebrate 2025 achievements and to discuss future initiatives.
Nova Scotia Moms for Collaborative and Compassionate Mental Health Care (NS Moms) is a grass roots group of 10 moms and parents of loved ones who are, or were, severely mentally ill.
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NS Moms participate in Crisis Intervention Training
Mom, Cyndi Corbett, participated in the most recent CIT Training of twenty-two city police officers.
In the one week training session Cyndi presented to the twenty-two officers with the Mobile Crisis Team to provide specialized education about responding to situations involving mental illness.
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NS Moms Negotiate with College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
As NS Moms we are delighted to be negotiating Dr. Gus Grant and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. We will share developments with you soon. .... Stay tuned !
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NS Moms Force Province to Amend Legislation
As NS Moms we are delighted and proud to announce that on April 1, 2026, the PHIA clause 38(1)(d) will be proclaimed, allowing improved information-sharing between clinicians and caregivers.
This amendment will mean that caregivers are now empowered to share and obtain important information with clinicians and so prevent the many unnecessary mental health disasters and loss of life that have occurred all too frequently in the province over many years.
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Moms Discuss Effective Communication with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work
Members of NS Moms, Nancy, Denis, and Cyndi, met with Alec Stratford, the Executive Director/Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), on Thurs., Feb. 5th. ....
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