Programs

Self-Help Connection: Promoting Positive Mental Health and Well-Being

At Self-Help Connection, our mission is to enhance the mental health and well-being of Nova Scotians facing mild to moderate mental health and addiction challenges. We provide essential support and opportunities for individuals to develop wellness tools and skills, fostering capacity and resilience throughout the community.

Our programs are designed to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals can access the necessary resources and guidance for personal growth and recovery. By focusing on a holistic approach, we address the unique needs of each person, filling a critical gap in wellness support. Through our comprehensive services, we aim to empower Nova Scotians to build resilience, improve their well-being, and achieve lasting positive change in their lives. 

 There is a fee for our upcoming wellness packages for small businesses wanting to invest in employee health and wellbeing. Our Personal Development Perks will be available to employers in Fall of 2025.

Sectors we Support

Public
  • A wide range of holistic health & wellness workshops are open to the public across the province.
  • SHC continues to offer navigation services matching appropriate support resources  to those requesting guidance.
Community Agencies
  • Providing facilitated sessions for community members and/or staff.
  • Customized programs are developed in response to community needs for organizations collaborating with SHC.
Peer Support Groups
  • SHC assists emerging and established groups with marketing support by way of promotion on our social media profiles, posters etc., technological training in Google Meet, Zoom, and Meet Up. 
  • SHC also offers Action Planning for Prevention & Recovery (APPR). This peer-led program guides participants in the creation of individually customized wellness and crisis plans for those struggling with their health.
    Download our Peer Support Group Guide
Small Business
  • Personal Development Perks are customized wellness packages for small businesses who are focused on employee health and wellness. Please contact SHC for more information about wellness packages and team building initiatives.
What we Offer
  • We deliver a variety of programs on a regular basis at various locations throughout the province, online and in-person. Please visit our Events Page for upcoming workshops.

Action Planning for Prevention and Recoveryâ“’ (APPR)

1-Day Workshop
In-Person & Zoom

APPRâ“’ is a workshop that guides participants to create personalized wellness plans and gives practical strategies to apply to everyday life. APPR is a modified, more flexible version of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) created by the same author during Covid-19. APPR is available to the public in a group setting or delivered as a staff development for community agencies.

Basic Therapeutic TouchⓇ

1-Day Workshop
In-Person & Zoom

Therapeutic TouchⓇ is an evidence-based healing modality used all over the world in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and in everyday homes. It is used by both laypersons and healthcare professionals. This experiential workshop teaches participants the history, science and skills to give a basic Therapeutic TouchⓇ treatment. 

Therapeutic TouchⓇ & Self-Care

3-Hour Workshop
In-Person & Zoom

Please note: A 1-day Basic Therapeutic TouchⓇ workshop is a prerequisite to this class. This experiential workshop reviews the basic skills of giving a Therapeutic TouchⓇ treatment in addition to teaching  how to give a treatment to oneself. Specific Self-Care techniques are shared and practiced.

Therapeutic TouchⓇ Practice Group

Monthly
In-Person

The Therapeutic Touch Practice Group is now the last Friday of the month at Woodlawn United Church from 10 am to noon. (In- person)

Drumming Circle
& Journey

2-Hour Experience
In-Person 

Participants experience facilitator-led group drumming then a journey of self-discovery to find their spirit animal through rhythmic patterns and meditative aspects, in a supportive group environment. 

Drums are supplied. A limited number of yoga mats and zero gravity chairs are also available upon request for those without access to these items

Art Therapy / Art Hives

2-Hour Workshop
In-Person & Zoom

Participants engage in artistic activities that provide a non-verbal outlet for self-expression.

 Facilitated by a trained Art Therapist, these sessions help participants manage stress, anxiety, and other mild mental health challenges by engaging with art. Supplies used are everyday items participants have around the home – pens, blank paper.

Grief & Mental Health

2-Hour Workshop
Zoom

This workshop helps participants learn how to work compassionately with grief, trauma and loss. Learn how to engage grief to fuel greater emotional and mental resilience, and how to access your natural state of balance. This is a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings and share.

Spirituality
& Mental Health

2-Hour Workshop
Zoom

Understand the interconnectedness of spirituality and mental health in addition to exploring practical coping strategies. Cultivate a holistic approach to healing that integrates spiritual practices with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. This workshop explores the nature of spirituality outside of the framework of religions.

Boundaries & Balance

1-Day Workshop
In-Person & Zoom

Explore the importance of boundaries in our personal and professional life. In this workshop, participants will learn practical tools and techniques for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. Individual exercises and group discussion encourages the sharing of lived experience.

Body Movement

1-Hour workshops
In-Person & Zoom

Self-Help Connection (SHC) takes a holistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Physical movement is a key component of overall health.

 SHC is currently offering a 1-hour workshop that combines the ancient practices of Qigong and Breathwork. This unique session aims to enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

Peer Support

SHC facilitates the launch of new peer support groups by providing training sessions about Google Meet and Zoom, enabling groups to meet independently. SHC offers a simple guide for new groups and will promote these groups on social media helping to increase visibility and reach. 

We provide training sessions about Google Meet and Zoom, which enables participants to meet independently. We have an easy guide to starting a Peer Support Group, and also provide marketing support and promotion to help increase visibility and reach.

Customized Sessions

Self-Help Connection designs programs and workshops in response to community needs when resources permit. Customized packages are also available to the private sector and other community agencies for employees. There is a fee for these services. Contact us for more information.

Restorative Healing Journey

3-Part Series. Each session is 2- hours in length.

Find Balance in an UnBalanced World. This guided, arts-based workshop emphasizes perspectives of natural wellness through story, song, ceremony, and art. Be grounded in indigenous spiritualities and recognize healing processes as interwoven with transformation of systems and structures. Enjoy a collaborative eco bricolage exercise as a form of expression.

Connection Services

Self-Help Connection (SHC) serves as an important link between people and the resources they need.

SHC connects individuals seeking support and peer connections, emerging peer groups requiring guidance, and organizations needing information and resources for their clients.  By fostering these connections, SHC ensures that everyone has access to the support and knowledge necessary for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Trauma-Informed Yoga

Videos available on demand 24/7

This gentle practice combines mindfulness, deep relaxation, and therapeutic postures to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, regulate emotions, and promote physical and mental well-being in those affected by these conditions. Click here to access our summer series on YouTube.  physical, and spiritual wellness.

For more information, please visit our Events page. If you have questions or concerns, or wish to discuss custom programming please contact us welcome@selfhelpconnection.ca 

Contact Us

Download Our “How to Start a Peer Support Group” guide here 

Click to watch our Therapeutic Touch Informational Video Here