The provincial government is increasing funding for mental health support for post-secondary students.
In a release on October 6th, the government detailed that it is investing $19.25 million into mental health supports for postsecondary students in 2020-21, an increase of $3.25 million over last year. The new money will go toward six specific initiatives to help support the mental health of college and university students across the province, with the remaining funds going towards the development of partnerships and greater access to mental health resources.
The six initiatives receiving funding are:
- Good2Talk/Allo j'écoute ($5.16M) mental health helpline service for postsecondary students, available 24/7/365;
- Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health ($0.5M): knowledge exchange hub providing resources and access to expertise for the postsecondary sector;
- Mental Health Worker Grant ($4.45M) for front-line mental health service workers on campuses, annual ongoing support to 45 colleges and universities to offset the costs of hiring front-line, campus-based mental health workers;
- Mental Health Services Grant ($6M): annual support to 45 colleges and universities, for the development of programs and services as determined by the institution;
- Indigenous Institutes Mental Health Grant ($0.5M)support to the 9 Indigenous Institutes in Ontario for the provision of mental health services, staff, and needs assessment as needed;
- Get-A-head ($250,000) - the ministry is providing one-time funding to support the launch of a mental health online application.
"Our government is ensuring postsecondary students have the right mental health services and supports that they need during these unprecedented times," says Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "Targeted investments like this one, is another example of how we continue to build a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system, so every Ontarian feels supported so they can maintain their mental wellness."
"As we move forward with Roadmap to Wellness, we will continue to listen and work with our partners across the mental health and addictions sector," says Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "We are enhancing and strengthening the available supports, while exploring new and innovative services to ensure that every student in Ontario's colleges and universities can access the high-quality care they expect and deserve."
"Now more than ever, we must prioritize making mental health services accessible to all students. As the need in our community remains high, we must work together - educators, community service providers and government - to reduce the barriers that students face and provide a broad range of support options," says Anne Sado, President of George Brown College. "These investments directly benefit students at George Brown College and throughout Ontario, allowing more learners to get the support they need."
"We know that post-secondary students are already going through a time of major life transitions which may cause stress and anxiety, and with the global pandemic, many may feel their lives have been upended," says Katherine Hay, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "That is why we thank the Government of Ontario for putting the mental health and well-being of post-secondary students first by ensuring that Good2Talk's 24/7 confidential support services are always available by phone and text."
