Open house being held to celebrate new CMHA building
TRURO, N.S. – The Colchester-east Hants branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is ready to show off their new space.
People are invited to drop by the open house on Thursday, Oct. 10 to tour the building, learn more about what the organization offers and enjoy entertainment.
“It wasn’t planned, but it worked out well in terms of timing because Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day,” said Susan Henderson, executive director of the Colchester East Hants branch of the CMHA.
“We’re so excited to have the public come in. We’ve been waiting a long time.”
The CMHA bought the former Bargain Shop building, at 859 Prince St., in the spring of 2017 and a fundraising campaign brought in funds for renovations.
“With this space, we’ll be able to do things in a much larger way and we’ll be more comfortable,” said Henderson. “We’ll be able to expand some programs, add new ones and hold some evening events. The front space is for the public and there’s more private space to gather at the back.
“It’s open to the ceiling at the back and the beams were left exposed. We have new LED lighting and accessible bathrooms.”
The building has a meeting room that can be rented, and SOUP will be able to handle catering needs.
A Community Credit Union kiosk will be constructed during the winter and there are plans to develop an outdoor green space in the spring.
The grand opening and open house will take place from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. there will be an evening of tours, appetizers, mocktails, a silent auction, art and music. James Faulkner will be master of ceremonies and The Blue Lane will perform and celebrate the release of their album, Skyland Saga | Part One: Vision.
Local artists who have a connected with the CMHA will have their work on display and available for sale.
Mental Illness Awareness Week runs Oct. 6-12.