Charter Signatories  

A signatory is an organization that formally commits to the principles and actions outlined in the Anti-Racism Charter. By becoming a signatory, you're pledging to actively work towards addressing and dismantling racism within your organization, broader sectors and or within your community in Nova Scotia.

Become a signatory now! 

pdf Sign the Anti-Racism Charter(428 KB)

Spring 2024 Check-ins

RNS is committed to the continued support of Charter signatories. RNS staff conduct periodic check-ins with organizations. The most recent check-ins occurred throughout the spring of 2024, with 15 of the 33 signatories. Each organization answered eight questions regarding their work on anti-racism and the Charter. The data gathered from these check-ins helps RNS understand how organizations use the Charter, determine what resources or support is needed from RNS, support RNS’ advocacy efforts, and support information sharing amongst current and potential signatories.

  pdf Read the report here.(3.32 MB)  

Signatories 

We're grateful to all the organizations who have signed on to the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation for their commitment to a more equitable and inclusive recreation system in the province.

Municipalities

• Town of Berwick
• Municipality of Chester
• Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
• Town of Kentville
• Village of Kingston
• Town of New Glasgow
• The Village of New Minas
• Town of Oxford
• Municipality of Pictou County
• Town of Truro
• Town of Westville
• Village of Port Williams

Provincial Recreation Organizations

• Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia
• Cycling Nova Scotia
• Hike Nova Scotia
• Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS)
• NS Trails

Non-Profits and Other Provincial or Community Organizations

• ArtDaily Cultural Organization
• Easter Seals Nova Scotia
• Electric Wheels Junior Roller Derby
• The Good Wave Project
• Halifax Lancers
• Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
• Northwood
• Nova Scotians Helping Nova Scotians Association
• Nova Scotia Therapeutic Recreation Association (NSTRA)
• Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia (RFANS)

 Provincial or Community Sport Organizations

• Athletics Nova Scotia
• Lacrosse Nova Scotia
• Tennis Nova Scotia & Sobeys Atlantic Tennis Centre

Post-Secondary Education 

• Dalhousie University

Other

• Elevate & Explore Black Nova Scotia
• Emporium Guru Ltd.
• Kings Volunteer Resource Centre
• Tide Rollers and Mudlarkers
• Valley Recreation
• Volunteer Nova Scotia

What is the Recreation for Mental Health - Inclusive Project?

The original Recreation for Mental Health project began in 2013 as a collaborative effort between Recreation Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University and the Canadian Association for Mental Health. The purpose of the project was to bring together practitioners and academics from the fields of recreation and mental health to do the work necessary to create a welcoming, inclusive recreation spaces, places and programs for people with mental illness or mental health challenges.

During that project, the research indicated that the physical, social, and mental benefits of recreation for people with mental illness or mental health challenges are boundless. After extensive research, a half-day training workshop for recreation practitioners as well as a set of practice guidelines for organizations, and an interactive learning/training tool called the Recreation for Mental Health Game were developed.

The training and tools have been really well received however necessary work needs to be completed to ensure that the training and tools are culturally relevant and sensitive to the needs of participants in a variety of settings. The lived experiences of persons with mental health challenges and illnesses are different in African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, 2SLBGTQIA+ and Newcomer communities.

Whether it is conceptions of mental illness, stigma attributed to mental illness, and expectations of the recreation provider system, this project works toward discussing these perspectives with those that work in this area to ensure the provision of culturally appropriate programming with target communities.

Our Main Objectives

Objective #1

To support African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq, Newcomer and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in addressing stigma in their communities

Objective #2

To increase the number of Recreation for Mental Health workshops being offered to African Nova Scotians, Mi’kmaq, Newcomers and LGBTQIA+ individuals

Objective #3

To increase the number of staff and community volunteers with the tools and knowledge to create culturally relevant, welcoming, inclusive, safe and supportive programs and places for people with mental health challenges.

Objective #4

To build capacity in the target communities by mentoring and certifying at least 5 people with lived experience as trainers who can teach or co-facilitate the workshop once the project is over.

The Plan - May 2021 to March 2022

1. Gather Advisory Committee
2. Review Current R4MH Workshop
3. Provide feedback and ideas to move forward
4. Offer current R4MH training in each community
5. Gather feedback from participants and review it with the Committee
6. Develop new additions to R4MH Training
7. Train new Trainers on revised workshop
8. Offer new training to communities
9. Final feedback

How Can You Help

Your knowledge and experience of mental health and participation in recreation are invaluable in helping us create a workshop that will help EVERYONE who is experiencing poor mental health or mental illness.

• Consider attending a free Recreation for Mental Health Workshop and providing your feedback
• Consider becoming a Trainer who represents African Nova Scotian, Mi’kmaq, Newcomer and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
• Email Alan MacKeigan to talk about your ideas and experiences with recreation and mental health

About the R4MH Workshop

This interactive session will be trainer-led and will introduce participants to evidence-based guidelines and actions that will help recreation practitioners make their programs, places and spaces more welcoming and accessible to people experiencing mental health challenges.

Recreation can play a pivotal role in the mental health recovery process and is important for the maintenance of mental wellness for all people.

Because of the connections between recreation, mental wellness and social equity, equitable access to recreation is key to increasing wellness and social equity overall.

Participants will

• explore how mental health impacts everyone's life
• look at the impact of stigma and learn how to reduce it
• explore the barriers people face and brainstorm strategies and supports necessary for participation in community recreation
• be introduced to 10 practice guidelines and 50+ action steps for positive change
• begin to create an action plan for your organization

How to Register

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at to find out when the next training is available.

Info for Train the Trainer

The Opportunity

Recreation Nova Scotia is training trainers for the Recreation for Mental Health workshop that represents the diverse mental health experiences people have within the African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, 2SLBGTQIA+ and Newcomer communities. If you are a recreation practitioner who identifies with one of these communities, we would love to add you to the team!

Who Can Become a Trainer?

We are looking for people who:

• have a passion for mental health and recreation
• have some previous facilitation experience
• identify as African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, 2SLBGTQIA+ and/or Newcomer

About Becoming a Trainer

As a trainer, you will learn to facilitate the online and in-person Recreation for Mental Health workshop. Here are the steps:

1. Attend and participate in a R4MH workshop as a participant (4 hours)
2. Read the trainer supplement mental health resources
3. Attend the Train the Trainer workshop (6 hours)
4. Co-Facilitate with an existing trainer (5 hours)

Benefits of Becoming a Trainer

As a R4MH Trainer you will be:

• Creating safer, more welcoming recreation spaces for your community
• Developing your facilitation skills
• Compensated when you facilitate a workshop ($200/workshop)

If you are interested in becoming a R4MH Trainer or have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research Projects

• Roles of Performance Arts & Exhibition for Adults Living with Mental Health Challenges
• Benefits of Recreation to the Mental Health of College and University Students
• " Time" Lasts Forever: Criminal Record Limits Community Participation
• Benefits of Recreation for Mental Health: Summary of Evidence 
• Creating Welcoming Programs and Places for People with Mental Health Challenges
• Integrating First Voice Perspectives into the Recreation for Mental Health Project 
• Overcoming Barriers to Community-Based Leisure and Recreation for People with Mental Health Challenges

Practice Guidelines and Tips

• R4MH TIPS for Recreation Participation
• R4MH Dialogue Tool
• R4MH Guidelines

Videos

• Recreation for Mental Health: Juanna
• Recreation for Mental Health: Kendra
• Recreation for Mental Health: Max

Summary of Benefits

• Making the Case: Recreation for Mental Health
• Life Skills Benefits Poster
• Physical Benefits Poste
• Psychological Benefits Poster
• Social Benefits Poster
• Physical References
• Life Skills References
• Psychological References
• Social Benefits References

Inspiring Practices

• Promising Practices Research
• Wilderness Wellness
• Beacon Program
• Getting Through the Door

Provincial Launch Reports

• South Shore Region
• Valley Region
• Highland Region
• Fundy Region
• Cape Breton Region
• Central Region
• Provincial Focus
• Provincial Launch Presentation

Other Resources

•   Recreation for Mental Health 101 Presentation