Support for projects improve mental health services for Ontario post-secondary students

Illustration by Sam Bullis/The Dialog

Ontario is extending the Mental Health Innovation Fund (MHIF). The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has made a $12 million investment towards an additional two years of funding for mental health initiatives in post-secondary institutions.

“I think the government highlights key issues with this round of funding; namely addictions, as it can be perceived to be part of the university experience, and how to cope, with strategies against these addictions,” said Sean Madden, executive director for the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance.

As part of Ontario’s mental health strategy, the MHIF will support new and innovative approaches to help post-secondary students in transitioning to college or university, and in accessing needed health services.

The first call for project proposals was made in September 2012 and since then more than 20 projects have received funding, according to a press release by the ministry.

Now the government is calling for more proposals “with a focus on First Nation and Métis students, students with addictions issues, and students with mental health or addictions issues who are transitioning from secondary to post-secondary studies.”

At George Brown “we take a healthy campus approach,” said Suzan Teows, director of academic services and student affairs. “We’ve had free training for 250 students for mental health first aid with six trainers and now we have a new mental health specialist. We can also refer students to counselling and peer-assisted learning.”