Moms Discuss Ways to Partner with Caregivers NS to Increase Support for Those Who Care for Loved Ones Living with Serious Mental Illness
Members of NS Moms, Cyndi and Denis, met with Jenny Theriault, Executive Director of Caregivers NS (CNS), and JoAnne Connors, Caregiver Support Coordinator, Capital Region, on Tues., March 3rd. The Moms believe that the information they have gathered about Privacy and Information Sharing, and the material on our website, Toolkit #1 (Letters), Toolkit Part 2 (Pamphlet), are valuable to caregivers of loved ones who live with serious mental illness who seek support at CNS.
Ms. Theriault and Ms. Connors agree. CNS supports ALL Nova Scotian caregivers, including those who support loved ones with serious mental illness. CNS holds in-person support groups in various locations across the province, as well as some online support groups. They also provide a variety of one-to-one support services to help with things such as system navigation and “soft advocacy” (i.e., obtaining the caregiver benefit).
It was determined that this meeting will be the first of many meetings to follow. It was also agreed that there are several ways for NS Moms and CNS to work together now and in the future. Both parties are very encouraged by the possibilities of a mutually beneficial partnership.
An important part of our conversation centered around the role trusted caregivers play in helping their loved ones to cope with the complexities of mental illness. We agreed that for caregivers to take on this role successfully, much education and support is needed.
We thank Jenny and JoAnne for the open dialogue and willingness to help the NS Moms to help caregivers. We look forward to future collaboration.
In the meantime, we encourage you to check out CNS at caregiversns.org.