May 5-11 marks Mental Health Week, a time for Canadians to learn about and discuss mental health issues, promote awareness, and encourage conversations around mental well-being. This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association is encouraging people to “unmask mental health” by having open and honest conversations and by looking beyond the surface to see the whole person.
Niagara College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services (HWAS), along with Human Resources are reminding all students and employees about the importance of protecting and taking care of your mental health, not just during Mental Health Week, but all year long.
Throughout Mental Health Week NC will be hosting several activities for both students and employees. Stay tuned for more details.
Employee support
- Counselling and other supports and programming are available for employees through the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- Benefits through Sunlife Financial for full-time employees, which include psychotherapy, clinical psychology, massage therapy, and many others.
- The COE provides ongoing training and development sessions to support employee mental health. The new PD calendar will be launched in May.
Student support
Counselling services and mental health support is available through HWAS. Students can make an appointment to speak to a counsellor by visiting the HWAS website.
Students who require assistance outside of office hours are encouraged to access the resources below.
- Good2Talk: A free, confidential 24/7 post-secondary student helpline. Students can access professional counselling, information and referrals. Students can access this service in the following ways:
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: good2talk.ca
- Call:1-866-925-5454
- Text: Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- GuardME Student Support Program: A mental health and wellness service dedicated to student wellbeing. This program offers 24/7 access to professional counsellors in various languages. Students can access this service in the following ways:
- Download and chat using TELUS Health Student Support app
- Call: 1-844-451-9700
- Visit: gmssp.org
