Social Services
Accessibility
In Halifax, there is a continuous effort to make all facilities and services accessible for all its residents.
In all government buildings, it is mandatory to have wheelchair access. As well, most public places, such as malls and schools, have access for people with disabilities.
For more information, please visit Halifax’s Accessibility webpage.
In Nova Scotia, there are many resources available for people with disabilities, including financial assistance. You can find more information about services available across the province at the Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Directorate.
Information for seniors
Halifax has plenty of services especially directed to seniors to assist their needs and help them connect with the community.
Seniors’ Clubs
- There are 48 community centres in HRM that have space for seniors to meet and engage in activities together. Contact the centre closest to you
- Some community centres are run by HRM. Others, however, are based on faith, sports, common interests and cultural connections
- There are clubs that are focused on senior immigrants
Seniors’ safety
There is a Seniors’ Home Safety Program in Nova Scotia addresses the safety concerns of seniors by promoting education and awareness about senior abuse prevention, crime prevention, and safety and health issues..
Visit the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors site for important information about programs, services and policies relevant for seniors in Nova Scotia. Contact them to get help and access information dealing with government services and programs. They publish a guide called Positive Aging Directory for seniors and their families. This guide is an information directory that gives seniors a quick and easy access to the programs and services available for them in Nova Scotia. The Department also provides important information, support and services related to Senior Abuse. You can call for help or to talk about your concerns; all calls are kept confidential.
Other information
Many places in Halifax have a senior day. Seniors get discounts on different products or services on that day.
Halifax Transit offers free public transit on Tuesdays.
YMCA Halifax/Dartmouth offers a Senior Snow Removal Program.
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Continuing Care Branch
For those seniors who are living at home, the Continuing Care Branch of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness provides access to a range of home, community and long term care services.
Getting around the HRM
The HRM has a wide network of busses and ferries run as wide as the airport. The provides reliable options to all no matter when in the city people live. Halifax is also a very bicycle-friendly city, encouraging Haligonians to use the more environmentally conscious transportation options.
Social Services
Community Services
The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services is a provincial department that provides a range of support for children, youth and families, services for people with disabilities, employment support, income assistance and help with housing and repairs.
The NISA Homes offers a transitional home for newcomer, refugee and non-status women (with or without children). Provides remote services such as financial assistance, mental health support, employment and housing support, helping clients find legal support, access to basic needs (i.e., food, transportation, and medication), and an overall culturally responsive model of care.
Legal Services
If you need legal services in Nova Scotia, there are many options available for you.
Legal Aid
If you need legal services but can't afford to hire a lawyer, you may be able to get help through the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission. They provide legal representation for people who can't afford it.
There are 13 community-based law offices in Nova Scotia that deal with legal aid cases. To find out more, contact the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission.
Refugee claimants
For refugee claimants seeking for asylum in Halifax, there is free legal aid available through the Halifax Refugee Clinic.