The University of Guelph has received nearly $800,000 from the Ontario government for two new programs aimed at improving mental health and wellness in young adults.
The initiatives focus on helping aboriginal students and assisting incoming university students with mental health issues. Both programs involve partnerships with colleges.
The announcement was made on campus today by Liz Sandals, minister of education and MPP for Guelph. The money comes from the Mental Health Innovation Fund and is part of the Ontario government’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.
“Our Mental Health and Addictions Strategy is about providing faster, easier access to mental health services for young people who need them, and I’m thrilled that the University of Guelph is receiving support for two new projects that will benefit students in the Guelph community for years to come,” Sandals said.
The funding will allow U of G to foster mental health and well-being, said President Franco Vaccarino.
“U of G is already recognized for being a caring, aware and supportive campus,” Vaccarino said. “These new programs will allow us to address important gaps in mental health supports for aboriginal learners and to improve outcomes of transitioning students by helping them better manage mental health challenges.”
He added that post-secondary students are typically of an age that represents an important developmental juncture. Often living away from home for the first time, many university students face new academic expectations as well as personal and cultural pressures.
“Identifying issues and providing support and services as soon as possible is key to helping students manage their mental health challenges in a healthy way,” said Vaccarino, who is internationally recognized for his research in psychology and addiction.
“These new initiatives will also help promote awareness and understanding.”
The first project, which received nearly $600,000, aims to more effectively engage and support aboriginal learners with identified mental health challenges or substance abuse issues as well as those entering post-secondary education.
The project will be headed by U of G’s Aboriginal Resource Centre and Counselling Services, and involve Six Nations Polytechnic and Mohawk College. It’s intended to integrate aspects of aboriginal wisdom and world views with western-based therapeutic approaches to mental health.
The second program is designed to help incoming university students with mental health challenges. It involves U of G, Conestoga College, the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
These partners will identify factors needed for a successful summer residence transition program. They hope to help students manage mental health challenges before starting college or university.
“Working with other institutions on both initiatives allows us to share knowledge and develop more inclusive, robust programs,” said Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs).
“The collaborations will also create promising practices and resources that can be adopted by other universities and colleges, helping other Ontario institutions that are working to address mental health issues on their campuses.”