Ruah Counselling Centre

09/22/2025

09/15/2025

Starting this week- our Family Support Workshop Series!

If you have someone in your life living with mental health, substance use and/or addictions, then this workshop series is for you.

This is a virtual seven-week learning and support program. Developed and facilitated by a trained Lifewise peer supporter with lived experience, this program is open to family members, close friends, and caregivers who are seeking to learn more about helping the people they care about and helping themselves. Participants may attend weekly or choose which sessions they would like to attend. This workshop is free through Zoom and is open to anyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Start Date: Thursday, September 18th @ 6 pm (virtual)
Cost: Free
Register here: https://forms.gle/Fnno8UjwKWNpo1JR8

For more information, contact mtaylor@lifewisenl.ca



[ID] In the graphic: The title reads "Family Support Workshop Series: 7-Week Virtual Learning & Support." To the right, the start date of Sept 18 is highlighted inside a blue circle. The scheduled topics are listed alongside colorful speech balloons that are used in the place of bullets. The topics include: Introduction to Family Support, Communication, Empathy, Boundaries, Recovery, Su***de Prevention and Crisis Support, and Self-Care.To the right, in a circular outline the text reads: "Supporting Others Starts with Support for You." Below the listed topics, the tagline says: "Support a loved one with mental health or addiction challenges." The contact email mtaylor@lifewisenl.ca is shown in the bottom left corner, along with the session time "Thursday's from 6-8 PM (Island Time)". The Lifewise logo appears in the bottom right corner.

09/10/2025

Today, Ruah is recognizing World Su***de Prevention Day - September 10, 2025 🧡💛. This year's theme, 'Changing the Narrative on Su***de', "aims to inspire individuals, communities, organizations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about su***de and suicidal behavior". For more information, visit World Su***de Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Su***de - IASP .

NL Health Services is partnering with Lifewise to offer a free, virtual event this evening, titled 'Real Stories, Real Talk: Su***de and Hope'. Join them for an open and meaningful conversation in recognition of World Su***de Prevention Day.

See the post below for information on how to register for this event.

Join us for an open and meaningful virtual conversation in recognition of World Su***de Prevention Day.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Su***de,” calls on us to break down stigma and create space for hope, healing and honest dialogue.

We are pleased to partner with Lifewise, a grass-roots organization, to feature the voices of lived and living experience. Together, we will share stories that can reduce stigma, build understanding and foster hope.

Whether you are just beginning to learn about su***de prevention, have personal experiences related to su***de, or are involved in advocacy efforts, this conversation is for you.

To register please email: 𝗻𝗹𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀@𝗻𝗹𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀.𝗰𝗮.

Date: September 10, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Newfoundland) and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Labrador)

Where: Virtual via Zoom

09/03/2025

Do you have difficulty containing your anger in everyday life?

Starting October 9, 2025, we will be offering our When You See Red for Men, 7- week group. 🍁🍂

Learn about the role of anger and anger triggers; healthy boundaries and emotional processing; communication styles and thinking patterns; coping strategies; letting go and self-care.

Start Date: October 9, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm, Thursday Evening's
Location: 2nd floor of The Lantern Building, 35 Barnes Road, St. John's
Fee: $150 *payment options available, contact for more details
Facilitator: Lori Petersen, MSW, RSW

** please note, there will be a break in group sessions on October 23, with sessions resuming October 30.

To register, a request for service form can be completed by:
📞Phone: 709-579-0168
💻Website: https://ruahcounselling.ca/request-for-services-process/
📧Email: info@ruahcounselling.ca

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly!

08/26/2025

We will be offering our When You See Red for Men, 7- week group, this upcoming Fall 2025.🍁🍂

Starting October 9, 2025.

Learn about the role of anger and anger triggers; healthy boundaries and emotional processing; communication styles and thinking patterns; coping strategies; letting go and self-care.

Start Date: October 9, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30pm, Thursday Evening's
Location: 2nd floor of The Lantern Building, 35 Barnes Road, St. John's
Fee: $150 *payment options available, contact for more details
Facilitator: Lori Petersen, MSW, RSW

** please note, there will be a break in group sessions on October 23, with sessions resuming October 30.

To register, a request for service form can be completed by:
📞Phone: 709-579-0168
💻Website: https://ruahcounselling.ca/request-for-services-process/
📧Email: info@ruahcounselling.ca

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly!

08/19/2025

Perinatal Support Group Topics for Week 3: August 18-22

Register to join us in-person or virtually!

Lifewise is offering a free Perinatal Support Group facilitated by trained Peer Supporters with lived experience. Whether you're pregnant or in the first year after giving birth, you're not alone, come connect with others who truly understand.

What to Expect:
A welcoming, judgment-free space to share, listen, and support each other through the highs and lows of the perinatal journey. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or just want to talk, this group is here for you.

Schedule:

Virtual group:
Monday | 6:00–7:30 PM

In-person group (child friendly):
Tuesday | 10:00–11:30 AM

Virtual group:
Wednesday | 10:00–11:30 AM

In-person group (adult only):
Thursday | 6:00–7:30 PM

Workshop (adult only):
Friday | 10:00–11:30 AM

In-person at 878 Topsail Rd

To register for perinatal support groups and workshops, click the link below, scan the QR code, or call 1-855-753-2560 and a Peer Supporter can help you!

https://forms.gle/Jod2A5YNYdzbZhB1A

You deserve support and we're here to offer it.

[ID] A promotional graphic for Lifewise’s Perinatal Peer Support Groups. The heading reads: “Perinatal Support Group Topics,” with the subheading “Week 3: August 18–22.”In the bottom right corner, there is a photo of a small group of people talking, with one person gently placing a hand on another’s shoulder in a supportive gesture. Surrounding the photo are colorful circles in green, yellow, red, and grey. Two of the circles include the text: “Building Confidence” and “Mindfulness.” On the left side of the graphic, it says “Join Us! Facilitated by” followed by the Lifewise logo. A QR code is included for registration.

08/13/2025

As wildfires continue to affect communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, many people are facing fear, uncertainty, and disruption. Whether you've been evacuated, are preparing to leave, or are anxiously watching the news for updates on loved ones, please know this:

You are not alone.

If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, mental health, substance use, or addiction challenges during this time, Lifewise is here to listen.

Our trained Peer Supporters have lived experience and truly understand what it’s like to walk through hard times. No diagnosis is needed, just a willingness to connect.

We offer:
✅ Daily Peer Support via our Provincial Warmline (10 AM – 12 AM)
✅ Virtual or in-person one-on-one meetings with trained peer supporters
✅ Confidential, compassionate, and judgment-free support

Whether you need a single conversation or ongoing support, we’re here, with empathy, not judgment.

Support starts with a conversation. Healing grows from there.

📞 1-855-753-2560



[ID] The graphic features the text: "Navigating tough times? You are not alone. We are here to listen. Peer Support is available daily from 10 AM to 12 AM through our Provincial Warmline. You can also schedule a virtual or in-person one-on-one meeting with a trained peer supporter." A telephone icon appears in the top right corner, with the Lifewise logo positioned to its left. Along the bottom of icon is the Warmline telephone number 1-855-753-2560. The bottom of the graphic displays Lifewise’s contact information: www.lifewisenl.ca, and Social handle: Lifewisenl. The design is set against a vibrant orange and blue background.

06/18/2025

A softball tournament/fundraiser was held on June 15, 2025, in memory of Ben Penney who died by su***de in March 2025 at the age of 23. 75 men competed in the tournament bringing along their families and friends which speaks to the power of family, community and friendship. It is fitting that the 2025 tournament was held during Men's Health Month and that the tournament continues Ben’s legacy of kindness and generosity. The tournament was organized by Paul McEvoy and Dylan D**e coordinated the ticket sales.

Ben's parents - Deanne and Alex – donated one of Ben's dirt bikes as the ticket prize to help generate funds. Deanne recommended that the funds be given to Ruah.

Ruah is so fortunate to have been the recipient of the proceeds from the Benjamin Penney Softball Memorial Tournament ($10,000) to support our mental health services. We rely on the generosity and support of our community partners and independent donors to continue the essential work we do as a non-profit agency.

Pictured: Lori Petersen (Ruah Counsellor & Group Facilitator), Kim Kelly (Ruah Board Member and Group Facilitator), and Deanne and Alex Penney (Ben's parents).

06/06/2025

What are you hoping for? 🧡

05/28/2025

🫂Self-care and Self-Compassion– Take Care of Your Mental Health🫂

Life can be unpredictable and overwhelming, causing anxiety and stress which can damage your mental health and effect many aspects of your daily life. Self-care and self-compassion are essential tools for good mental health. By prioritizing ourselves, we become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and to be the most productive versions of ourselves. This session will teach you about self-care and self-compassion strategies and how to prioritize your mental wellbeing.

🔗 Visit https://tinyurl.com/WLHJune4 to register or visit https://cmhanl.ca/events/ for a full list of our upcoming events! Link in bio for a full list of our events.

📅 June 4th
🕛 1:30pm to 2:30pm
💻 Deer Lake Motel
💸 NO Cost
🧍Ages 18+

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your self-care and mental health!

05/22/2025

Thanks to the generosity of independent donors in our community, one of our clinical staff members, Lori Petersen, had the opportunity to travel to the National Su***de Prevention Conference 'Lean in and Listen', held in Richmond Hill, ON, from May 14-16, 2025.

Participating in this conference provided our staff with valuable additional training, further enhancing the work Ruah is doing to support individuals affected by grief and su***de loss in our province.

Together, we lean in, listen, and take action for meaningful change.💜

05/09/2025