Helping youth with mental illness

Halifax-based Laing House extending its reach, opening Yarmouth office

Laing House has been doing some work in Yarmouth the past couple of years or so, but the organization is stepping up its presence and activity level here, a spokesperson says, adding they want to build on the positive things that are happening in this area.

In Halifax, where the organization is based, Laing House is a drop-in centre for young people (16 to 29) living with a mood disorder, psychosis and/or anxiety disorder. Youth have a chance to meet others who have been through similar experiences and they can help each other.

With funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Laing House is looking to see what it can do for youth mental health in the Yarmouth area.

“We’ve come with our expertise of youth engagement and peer support and mental health to see how we can support the amazing community organizations that are already here working with youth,” said Hilary Rankin, executive director of the Laing House Association. From left: Elisha Stairs, Laing House community development co-ordinator in Yarmouth; Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood; Cole Baillie, youth member of Laing House; Maggie Scott, Laing House peer support worker in Yarmouth; Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill; HOPE co-ordinator Linda Vickery. On July 10, the HOPE Centre and Laing House teamed up to welcome stakeholders in the field of youth mental illness. The event included a barbecue lunch.