Matthew Perry’s sister advocates for people struggling with addiction at Halifax event

Let’s Keep Talking, an event presented by Bell Let’s Talk, takes place in Halifax Tuesday night.

The annual event is held to educate, inspire and celebrate achievements of outstanding Nova Scotians who live with mental illness or addiction, or support those who do.

This year’s event features honoured guest Caitlin Morrison, the executive director of the Matthew Perry House and sister of the late Canadian actor.

Perry, who passed away Oct. 28, 2023, after being found unresponsive in a hot tub, was open about his struggles with addiction.

“I think a lot of families know what it’s like to have that sudden horrible thing happen,” Morrison told CTV Atlantic’s Maria Panopalis. “It’s been really good to have a direction, something to do to feel like there is a little bit of meaning to it.”

The Matthew Perry House works to advocate for long-term recovery support, break down the stigma of addiction and improve access to resources to those who need them.

“A lot of people deal with these horrible things or these difficult things in their life, and it can be really difficult to talk about,” Perry’s sister said.

Mary Deacon, a chairperson for Bell Let’s Talk, agreed tackling stigma can allow those struggling with mental illness and addiction to become more open to receiving help.

“The more we can understand that these people are living with an illness that can be treated and offer them the same kind of support and encouragement through that journey, the more people will be able to get the help they need,” said Deacon.

Morrison said when it came to helping her brother, she let him know she was there to support him no matter what.

“You can’t force someone to decide that they’re ready to find that amazing life that’s possible for them,” she said.

Deacon said Let’s Keep Talking is an important event because it gives people hope.

“It creates the sense of the art of the possible,” Deacon said. “If I’m struggling and if I reach out for help and get what I need, I can lead a full, happy, productive life.”

Deacon said it’s also an important event for people like Morrison who are advocates for their loved ones struggling with mental health and addiction.

“To advocate, to speak out, is a gift to the world,” Deacon said.

Morrison said she thinks the Matthew Perry House is something her brother would have wanted to do and would have been excited about it.

“He would definitely find a funnier and more charming way to get the message out there,” she said.

The Let’s Keep Talking event is organized by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

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