Improving student mental health support
Ontario is supporting two new projects at the University of Guelph that officials say will improve access to high-quality mental health services and help ensure students get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Ontario will invest almost $771,000 over three years for these projects:
- mental health and wellness outcomes for Aboriginal learners. The Aboriginal Resource Centre and counselling services at the university are working together to build a flexible and culturally sensitive ‘bridge’ that integrates aspects of Aboriginal wisdom and world views, and appropriate western-based therapeutic approaches to mental health. The project will help to more effectively engage and support Aboriginal learners with identified mental health challenges, substance abuse issues and those transitioning to postsecondary education. The program is offered in partnership with Six Nations Polytechnic and Mohawk College $582,476 will go towards this project over three years; and
- summer transition program for students with mental health issues. University of Guelph, in partnership with Conestoga College, Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board, will work together to identify factors needed to develop and implement a successful program that helps students transition from high school to postsecondary education. During the summer of 2015, Conestoga College and the University of Guelph will develop a summer transition program that includes a residential program targeted at students who will be attending either institution. Funding is $188,400 over three years.
These projects are two of twelve new projects receiving support from Ontario as part of the third round of the Mental Health Innovation Fund.
