Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant provides funding support for mental health training for businesses, organisations, and individuals across Nova Scotia. The grant helps applicants access Mental Health and Wellness training courses focused on peer support skills and leadership-based mental health awareness.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed quarterly. Successful applicants must complete approved training within six months of receiving funding approval.
St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant
The St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant supports mental health education and training initiatives across Nova Scotia.
The grant aims to improve mental health awareness by helping businesses, organisations, and individuals access structured Mental Health and Wellness training programmes.
Through this initiative, participants can develop better understanding, confidence, and skills to support mental health and wellbeing in workplaces and communities.
Purpose of the Mental Health Literacy Grant
The grant is designed to increase mental health knowledge and promote supportive environments throughout Nova Scotia.
The programme supports:
- Improved awareness of mental health issues.
- Increased confidence in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
- Development of workplace mental health skills.
- Stronger peer support networks.
- Better leadership approaches to employee wellbeing.
The initiative recognises that mental health literacy is important for creating healthier workplaces and communities.
Training Courses Supported Through the Grant
Applicants can select from two Mental Health and Wellness training options.
Mental Health and Wellness: Peer-to-Peer Training
This training focuses on helping participants support colleagues, peers, and community members.
The course helps participants:
- Understand common mental health challenges.
- Recognise signs that someone may need support.
- Develop communication skills.
- Learn appropriate ways to provide peer support.
- Promote positive mental health practices.
This training is suitable for individuals who want to become more confident supporters within their workplace or community.
Mental Health and Wellness: Managers & Leaders Training
This training is designed for managers, supervisors, and organisational leaders.
The course helps leaders:
- Understand workplace mental health needs.
- Support employees experiencing challenges.
- Create healthier workplace environments.
- Improve communication around mental wellbeing.
- Develop leadership strategies that promote psychological safety.
The training supports organisations in building stronger workplace mental health practices.
Who Can Apply?
The St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant is available to:
- Businesses in Nova Scotia.
- Organisations operating in Nova Scotia.
- Individuals living in Nova Scotia.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in improving mental health awareness and supporting participation in approved training programmes.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be located in Nova Scotia.
- Select an eligible Mental Health and Wellness training course.
- Complete approved training within the required timeframe.
- Use funding support for the intended training purpose.
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted:
- Throughout the year.
Application review process:
- Applications are reviewed quarterly.
- Funding decisions are made during scheduled review periods.
Applicants should submit applications in advance to allow sufficient time for review and training completion.
Training Completion Requirement
Successful applicants must complete their approved training:
- Within six months of receiving funding approval.
Applicants should plan their training schedule carefully to ensure completion within the required timeframe.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the Appropriate Training Course
Applicants should choose between:
- Mental Health and Wellness: Peer-to-Peer training.
- Mental Health and Wellness: Managers & Leaders training.
The selected course should match the applicant’s needs and role.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Applicants should provide required information about:
- Applicant details.
- Organisation or business information, if applicable.
- Training requirements.
- Intended use of the grant.
Step 3: Wait for Quarterly Review
Applications will be reviewed during the quarterly assessment process.
Applicants will receive confirmation regarding funding decisions.
Step 4: Complete Approved Training
Successful applicants must complete their selected training course within six months of approval.
Why Mental Health Literacy Matters
Mental health literacy helps individuals and organisations better understand, recognise, and respond to mental health challenges.
Improved mental health awareness can help:
- Reduce stigma.
- Encourage early support.
- Improve workplace wellbeing.
- Strengthen communication.
- Create more supportive communities.
Training programmes provide practical skills that help people respond appropriately when mental health concerns arise.
Benefits for Businesses and Organisations
Organisations participating in mental health training can:
- Improve employee wellbeing.
- Build healthier workplace cultures.
- Equip managers with support skills.
- Strengthen employee engagement.
- Encourage open conversations about mental health.
Benefits for Individuals
Individuals receiving training can:
- Increase mental health knowledge.
- Learn how to support others.
- Improve confidence in difficult conversations.
- Develop practical wellbeing skills.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Choosing a training course that does not match their needs.
- Missing the six-month training completion deadline.
- Providing incomplete application information.
- Applying without confirming Nova Scotia eligibility.
- Delaying training arrangements after receiving approval.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain why mental health training is needed.
- Select the most suitable course option.
- Describe how the training will benefit their workplace or community.
- Plan training completion timelines before applying.
- Ensure all application details are accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant?
The grant provides funding support for mental health training courses for businesses, organisations, and individuals in Nova Scotia.
Who can apply for the grant?
Businesses, organisations, and individuals located in Nova Scotia can apply.
What training courses are supported?
The grant supports two Mental Health and Wellness training options: Peer-to-Peer training and Managers & Leaders training.
When can applications be submitted?
Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed quarterly.
How long do successful applicants have to complete training?
Successful applicants must complete approved training within six months of receiving funding approval.
Can both individuals and organisations apply?
Yes. The grant is open to individuals, businesses, and organisations across Nova Scotia.
Why is mental health literacy training important?
Mental health literacy helps people recognise mental health challenges, reduce stigma, provide support, and create healthier workplaces and communities.
Conclusion
The St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant provides an opportunity for Nova Scotia businesses, organisations, and individuals to strengthen mental health knowledge through practical training.
By supporting Peer-to-Peer and Managers & Leaders training courses, the programme helps build more informed, supportive, and mentally healthy workplaces and communities. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply throughout the year and complete approved training within the required six-month period.
For more information, visit Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.