KiSS Cares - Northern Initiative for Social Action

Now, more than ever, people are struggling with mental health issues. The Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) is here to help.

NISA/Northern Initiative for Social Action is a peer-run, recovery-oriented mental health organization located in downtown Sudbury which offers peer support along with active living, and creative and occupational/vocational programming. NISA supports nearly 70 members daily who understand the stigma that still exists around having mental health diagnoses, and in finding a place of acceptance and belonging, they work to bring more awareness and advocacy to the experiences of mental illness.

They provide FREE, non-referral peer-based support for people who are struggling with mental health issues through a variety of programs:

• In person support – one-on-one peer support, sharing circles, social groups, recovery and wellness groups, occupational and life skills building, educational and recreational opportunities, etc. (36 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor)
• Phone support for people in Northeastern Ontario (705-222-NISA (6472))
• Evening peer support groups for families, mothers experiencing mood changes and those living with thoughts of suicide (705-222-NISA (6472))
• Regional Warm Line available from 6pm to midnight every day of the year
• Older Adult peer support group (for people over 55) to help people deal with isolation, mental health, and the challenges of living alone and in long term care
• Peer support in the Emergency Department at Health Sciences North
• Creative expression opportunities through the artist loft
• WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan – a personalized plan to keep yourself well
• Writing Circle
• Meaningful work and volunteer opportunities, such as the electronics recycling program
• Warm hearts, warm bodies – members create quilts to donate to local organizations like the street outreach program and Cancer Society
• As a result of COVID-19, they have changed the way that they operate and now offer virtual sessions. This service will continue post-pandemic as well, in order to meet the needs of the people who require their service

In addition to providing these important tools for support, they raise money and education for research and social action through presentations and advocating within the mental health community

One of the main ways that they fund these programs is through the annual Defeat Depression Walk. This year’s virtual walk will be held from 9-10am on Saturday, May 29th and can be done in your own neighbourhood! Registration is $25 and comes with a race kit that includes a tote bag, t-shirt and swag). Strava will also be used this year for optional tracking, for the more competitive among us.

Learn more about the Defeat Depression Walk and register today to help make a difference!

Learn more about NISA here: