Friday, October 04, 2013
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
More Mental Health Services for University and College Students
Ontario is launching a new mental health help line for college and university students as part of its Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.
College and university students with concerns about student life, health or mental well-being can now call Good2Talk, a province-wide service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a free, confidential and anonymous service that offers professional counselling, mental health information and connections to local resources.
Ontario is also supporting 10 new projects at colleges and universities that will improve access to high-quality mental health services and help identify mental health issues and connect students to supports faster.
Supporting postsecondary students' education, health and well-being is part of the Ontario government's plan to invest in people. The province is also focused on investing in infrastructure and fostering a dynamic and innovative business environment.
Quick Facts:
- Good2Talk service is delivered by Kids Help Phone, ConnexOntario, 211Ontario, the Ontario Centre for Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health and postsecondary institutions.
- These investments are part of the multi-year $257 million Mental Health and Addictions Strategy announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget.
- Ontario is also launching a Youth Suicide Prevention Plan that will provide training, tools and funding to help communities come together to prevent youth suicides, including a unique Aboriginal approach.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"We want to let college and university students know they aren’t alone and that there is help. The new supports will help them have a healthy, productive transition to postsecondary institutions and deal with newfound independence, both on and off campus."
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
"Our Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy is helping create opportunities for young Ontarians to enjoy a high quality of life and contribute to society. In addition to this great investment, we are empowering communities to develop practical, local solutions through our Youth Suicide Prevention Plan."
— Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Children and Youth Services
"On behalf of the Good2Talk/Allo J’écoute partners — ConnexOntario, Kids Help Phone, Ontario211 and the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health — I'd like to recognize and thank the Government of Ontario for joining with us to develop this critical new resource for post-secondary students under the Ministry’s Health Innovation Fund."
— Sharon Wood, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone
Media Contacts:
Emily Hedges
Minister’s Office
416-325-1625
Emily.Hedges@ontario.ca
Gyula Kovacs
Communications Branch
416-325-2746
Gyula.Kovacs@ontario.ca
Public inquiries
416-325-2929 or
TTY: 1-800-268-7095
1-800-387-5514
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