“They all believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself so that gave me the chance to be positive and to start looking forward”

DARTMOUTH – It doesn’t look like your typical courtroom: there’s artwork on the wall and an inspirational message emblazoned above the judge’s seat. “Just because you have a past does not mean you have no future,” is spelled out in glittery letters.

The mental health court, which is based at the Dartmouth Provincial Court, aims to treat and help Nova Scotians with mental disorders who have committed criminal offences. But for Heather, a graduate of the program, it means much more.

“The people … they become your family. They become your support network,” said the 35-year-old, who didn’t want to give her last name. “They give you that second chance that you really need and to me that was a blessing – a blessing in disguise.”   Read the rest of this story at Global News…