Curtis Hitsman, Gordon Cressy, Anne Sado, Jennifer Tory, Suzan Kisa and Leo the Lion.
Photo courtesy of Royal Bank

George Brown College (GBC) has recognized the battle many of its students face with mental health, by launching the More Than Me project to help students find peace of mind at school.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) donated $550,000 to GBC last month to help with the launch of the More Than Me project – an initiative to help raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.

“Currently involvement comes from staff in the student affairs department, but come the new year, More Than Me will be extending its involvement opportunities to staff throughout the college, as well as students,” said Margo Foster, research and development associate for the academic services and student affairs department. “This project is an opportunity for students to feel comfortable at the college.”

More Than Me will be extending student involvement opportunities in 2014 through leadership opportunities and peer to peer support, and is hoping to work closely with the Student Association of GBC in the near future to increase student participation.

Through a four component process, the project begins with a mental health awareness campaign described as ‘a charette’ in the design world, which according to Foster “will give the college an opportunity to do a scan of what we are all doing, and to see what we can do for our students.”

Followed by an early identification of its students in need, summer transition and peer support, the More Than Me project will allow students to build their skills to help them cope with their illnesses.

“This project will hopefully give students and staff a more well-rounded idea of mental well-being,” said Foster.

With the help of RBC, George Brown has been able to make an idea a reality and with the help of staff and students, students suffering from mental health issues will be better supported on campus.