In the aftermath of the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, Jenny Kierstead and her daughter, Sophie Kierstead-Abbass, have taken steps to address the mental health challenges faced by youths. Their relative, Lisa McCully, was one of the victims of the tragic event, and since then, both Kierstead and her daughter have worked through their own struggles with grief and mental health. They have developed a program designed to equip educators with the tools they need to foster resilience and understanding among their students in the context of mental health.
The resilient youth program was created to reach educators across various environments, acknowledging that children and adolescents may experience difficulty in discussing their emotions or recognizing when they need help. The two women emphasize the importance of building a supportive environment in schools, where students feel comfortable seeking assistance and are educated about mental health issues. Through workshops and training sessions, they aim to raise awareness and provide actionable strategies for educators.
The impact of the tragedy continues to resonate within the community, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about mental health support and resources. By engaging educators, Kierstead and Kierstead-Abbass hope to ensure that young people are better equipped to handle the challenges they may face, promoting resilience and a culture of openness surrounding mental health discussions.
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