SHUBENACADIE: The Municipality of East Hants (MEH) is setting the record straight over a misunderstanding in a denial of a funding request to a community organization that focuses on people’s mental health.
Recently, After Trauma Empowerment Network’s (ATEN) co-founder Margaret Mauger posted a letter of disappointment on MEH’s decision to not include the Shubenacadie not-for-profit. They had sought funding for counselling services.
“I’m disheartened, disappointed and confused by the news that we would not receive funding from the East Hants Municipality because “mental health doesn’t align with municipal mandates,” said Mauger in the letter.
It continued in parts saying, “This raises many concerns and questions: Isn’t mental health, especially the past year with COVID-19 19 and the mass shooting, a given and unquestionable priority under all municipal, provincial and federal mandates?”
In the letter, dated Feb. 19, Mauger notes that she and colleague Vida Woodworth, invite and welcome MEH to meet with them to have an informative discussion regarding the prevalence, need and demand for mental health services and supports in East Hants.
“We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how mental health wellness could be included in your future strategic planning,” the letter concluded.
On two Facebook community pages in East Hants, comments were directed at the Municipality with disappointment and anger over their decision to not fund ATEN, and that it did not fit in the municipal mandate.
However, that isn’t exactly the case. ATEN had requested funding from MEH as part of their Community Partnership Fund.
“The grant request was specifically to fund counselling services, which is not a service that is in line with municipal grant programs,” said municipal spokeswoman Jody MacArthur to The Laker News on Feb. 26.
She said the provincial Department of Health & Wellness is committed to improving mental health care for Nova Scotians and to working with partners across health care, communities, and government to improve mental health services.
“The Municipality of East Hants cares very much about the mental health and wellbeing of our community members and all Nova Scotians,” said MacArthur. “As such, council funds many organizations and programs that contribute to our community’s collective health.
“ATEN’s application for funding counselling services does not align with our current municipal grant programs.”
