Volunteer firefighters and members of ground search and rescue teams will soon have access to new mental health supports.
A new program will give these first responders and their families access to a range of health and wellness services, including personal and family counselling, stress management, nutrition support and more.
The services are similar to those offered through employee and family assistance programs for career first responders.
“Over the last few years, Nova Scotians have called on our volunteer firefighters and ground search and rescue volunteers like never before,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “They are there for us on our worst days. This new program is one way we can be there for them when they need us.”
They will have access to counselling by mental health clinicians 24/7 through a designated phone number starting in December.
The service is part of a two-year pilot program with Telus Health that will help the government better understand the mental health needs of volunteer firefighters and ground search and rescue volunteers.
