The Association for Suicide Prevention in Quebec, known under its French acronym as AQPS, has begun its 30th suicide prevention awareness week. (Photo iStock/Warchi)

British Columbia to offer mental health support for post secondary students

The Canadian province of British Columbia is looking at new ways to make it easier for post secondary students to access mental health services.

The service, which is due to launch this spring will give students access to trained counselors through a phone line, online chat, and a phone app at any time of day, and during any day of the week.

“Mental health is an issue our government takes seriously,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training said in a press release. “Post-secondary students have told me there is a gap in mental health support services. The stress students feel at university or college can be significant, and can lead to serious isolation and potentially deadly outcomes.

All post secondary students from all around the province including part-time, full time, and international students regardless of where they’re attending school, will have access to these services, free of charge.

The British Colombian government has contracted Morneau Shepell for three years to run the program, with a budget of $1.5 million each year. 

Morneau Shepell is a company that has been working in mental health solutions since 1974. After a procurement process, they were chosen by a committee that consisted of representatives from post secondary institutions, students and the Canadian Mental Health Association of Victoria.

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