A 24-hour community-based crisis response service has been expanded to residents of the Halifax peninsula. The Crisis Assistance and Response (CARE) pilot program will now be available throughout the Halifax peninsula, parts of Dartmouth, Woodlawn, and Cole Harbour for people experiencing non-emergency, non-violent crises related to mental health, substance abuse and personal well-being. The program is delivered through a partnership with 211 Nova Scotia, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, and the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Community Safety Team. Launched in October 2025, the program aims to provide an alternative, trauma-informed response when police, fire or Emergency Health Services may not be the best choice. Staff are trained in several fields including trauma-informed care, harm reduction, mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and cultural humility. The support provided by CARE can include: Residents can call 211 to access the CARE service, and a trained navigator will review the situation, assess the needs, and provide information, resources and support over the phone. If in-person support is needed, the mobile team will be dispatched. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
