New! NS Mental Health and Addiction Peer Support Line

The province is launching a new, province-wide mental health and addictions peer support line today.

The Peer Support Phone Service is a toll-free, non-crisis, province wide service, available to all Nova Scotians 18 years of age or older.  It is staffed by trained peer supporters, who have personal or family-based lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.   

The service is intended for individuals who feel isolated, alone, anxious, concerned, or who need support and to talk to someone. Reasons for calling can be anything from having a tough day at work, feeling down, struggling with supporting a loved one, going through a rough patch in a relationship and so on. It is NOT intended for individuals who are experiencing a crisis. (Folks in crisis are still encouraged to call 911 or the NS Mental Health and Addictions Crisis line at 1-888-429-8167) 

The NS Peer Support Phone Service does not operate 24/7 like the Crisis Line, it's hours are: 

• Wednesday to Friday - 5pm to 11pm AT
• Saturdays and Sundays - 11am to 11pm AT
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Because the service is not 24/7, it is possible that some calls may need to be placed in a queue while peer supporters finish up with other callers. You may also choose to leave a voicemail with your name and phone number and if a peer supporter has availability during their shift, they will return your call.  Otherwise, you are invited to call back during the next service shift.

The number is 1-800-307-1686. For more information, visit supportyourpeople.com/peer-support-phone-service.