The Art of Talking to Strangers: The Power of Small Talk

The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division supports the resilience, recovery and well-being of people living with a mental illness and those experiencing mental health challenges across the province of Nova Scotia.We are a federated charity, which means we are a collective of organizations bound together by a brand and mission.Our programs are free to access and available to anyone living in Nova Scotia. At the community level our branches support the resilience and well-being of Nova Scotians through social programs, education and advocacy based on the needs of the community.To learn more about CMHA NS Division visit our website at www.novascotia.cmha.ca

CMHA NS Division

Join Sam as we explore the science behind why talking to strangers matters, why it feels difficult, & simple, low-pressure ways to start.

When was the last time you talked to someone you didn’t know, such as a barista, a classmate, or someone at the bus stop? Most of us were taught to be cautious of strangers (stranger danger), keep our headphones on and mind our own business.But what if avoiding the small interaction is quietly costing us?These everyday acquaintances are called “weak ties”, and they can have a surprisingly powerful impact on our mood and sense of belonging. In this workshop, facilitator, Sam Lam will explore the science behind why talking to strangers matters and  why it feels difficult. Sam will also introduce simple, low-pressure ways to start.DETAILS:<ul><li>DATE: October 20, 2026</li><li>TIME: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. | DURATION: One hour</li><li>VENUE: Online [ZOOM]</li></ul>Help more Nova Scotians THRIVE!Community mental health care often exists in the space between systems—where people can fall through the cracks when hospital discharge happens faster than recovery, when a crisis has stabilized but help is still needed, or when waiting lists are long and uncertainty is longer.The Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia Division exists in that space. We provide practical, community-based services that help people stay connected while they work toward longer-term stability and wellness.Programs like THRIVE help people build knowledge, resilience, and connection before challenges become crises, while also offering guidance and encouragement to those navigating recovery or waiting for other services.As demand for community mental health services continues to grow, donations and community partnerships help us remain responsive, flexible, and present where we are needed most.Every contribution—large or small—helps more Nova Scotians access the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive.<a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/44267" title="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/44267" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Give today and help your community THRIVE.</a>Facilitator BiosSam (Quang Hung) Lam (he/him) is a Master of Public Health student with a strong interest in mental health and addiction. He has been involved in different health initiatives, including clinic administration, health research, and public health workshops for university students.Five years ago, Sam started talking to strangers on a whim. The original goal (asking out a crush) didn’t quite work out, but the habit stuck. As an immigrant who moved between countries and communities, he found that these small, low-stakes conversations become one of the easiest ways to feel less alone in unfamiliar places, long before any close friendship had formed.By combining his personal experience with his public health background, Sam hopes to help people see that strangers around them not as people to avoid, but as an underused, accessible source of everyday connection and support.

The Art of Talking to Strangers: The Power of Small Talk

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The Art of Talking to Strangers: The Power of Small Talk

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