GBC’s annual mental health conference is back to discuss student wellbeing as a collective responsibility.
The 23rd Annual Mental Health Conference at George Brown College (GBC) is happening on March 2 at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, Waterfront campus.
The conference this year will focus on the theme ‘Student Mental Health & Well-Being: A Collective Responsibility.’
Susan Toews, Dean of the center for preparatory and liberal studies said, “The goal of the conference is to engage a wide range of GBC employees from across the College, along with students, community members, and participants from other Ontario post-secondary institutions, in understanding that student mental health and well-being is a collective responsibility and involves all aspects of post-secondary life, from policies to the campus environment to teaching and learning to student services.”
The conference will be hosted by Jonny Moris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association from the British Columbia division.
Participants will learn about the national standard for mental health and well-being, specifically for post-secondary students.
Elizabeth Cawley, standard expert and associate professor will present during the conference. There will also be a panel discussion led by Marija Padgen, executive director of the center for innovation in campus mental health. Representatives from five Great Toronto Area (GTA) colleges will join the discussion and share best practices to support student mental health and wellbeing across different communities.
Participants will also be able to choose and attend a brief workshop during the day.
Workshop options include peer leadership, mental health crisis response, the stepped care model for counselling services, mindfulness in curriculum, universal design for learning and student well-being.
All topics are related to enhancing students’ wellbeing across different communities.
Inclusivity is considered in this conference. Support and discussion on the wellbeing of immigrant and refugee students as well as black and indigenous students is included.
“In the afternoon, all participants will hear from a panel of Indigenous students and participate in a session focused on Black student well-being,” Toews continued.
Meanwhile, morning refreshments and a nutritious lunch would be provided at the conference. The relationship between food and community mental health is also one of the session topics.
Participants will be able to share experiences, exchange thoughts and network during the conference.
The conference will start at 9 a.m. and go on till 5 p.m.
A waitlist is open for interested individuals, registration fee for students is $50. More information can be found here.
