The work of over 74 organizations concerned with mental wellness in Niagara, to implement the Niagara Mental Health and Addictions Charter includes a focus on student mental wellness. The charter can be found here: http://www.niagaraknowledgeexchange.com/resources-publications/niagara-mental-health-and-addictions-charter/
Student and Workplace Mental Wellness was identified as one of 8 focus areas for Charter Implementation: http://www.niagaraknowledgeexchange.com/resources-publications/niagara-mental-health-and-addictions-charter-focus-area-group-discussion-themes-summary/
This information is also found in the Health and Wellness Sector of this report.
The Niagara Catholic District School Board Mental Health and Addictions Strategy (2015) involves a three-tier approach: Promotion, Prevention and Intervention.
Retrieved from: http://www.niagaracatholic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MH-Strategy-Book.pdf
The District School Board of Niagara emphasizes mental health and wellbeing in its Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Retrieved from: https://www.dsbn.org/imatter/pdf/Strategic%20Plan%202016.pdf
Pathstone Mental Health has a school-based program for students struggling with mental health disorders, and their families.
Retrieved from: https://www.pathstonementalhealth.ca/services/school-based-program
Student Mental Wellness Tools built by Brock University and Niagara College
The More Feet on the Ground campaign was built by people working in mental wellness at Brock University, in partnership with the Council of Ontario Universities, the Government of Ontario, Niagara College, Pathstone Mental Health, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch.
The Niagara Holistic Wellness Initiative is a community partnership between Brock University, Niagara College and other Niagara Region professionals committed to supporting post-secondary students’ learning, health and well-being in a positive and holistic way. The resource is based on the Aboriginal medicine wheel and acts as a tool for students to focus on all parts of their health: body, mind, spirit and emotion.
Student Mental Wellness at Brock: In the Fall of 2016, two half-day retreats were held in order to consult with internal Brock stakeholders and external community stakeholders with regard to student mental health concerns. Participation within the Brock community included representatives from Student Wellness and Accessibility, Brock Undergraduate Student Union, Brock Graduate Student Union, Human Resources, the Lifespan Research Institute, Brock Student Life and Community Experience, and Aboriginal Student Services. Participation from the Niagara community included Niagara Connects, Lidkea Stob & Associates, Community Addiction Services of Niagara, Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch, Niagara Health, Pathstone Mental Health, Centre de santé communautaire (Welland), Contact Niagara, Niagara Region Public Health and Distress Centre Niagara. These participants reviewed the 2013 Campus Mental Health Plan and identified key strategies and actions that inform the new 2017 Student Mental Health and Additions Plan, which was approved by the Brock University Board of Trustees in June, 2017.
In 2017, a new Post-Secondary Wellness Collaborative was formed with the intent to develop and provide strategic direction and advocacy related to funding and practice models at local and system levels, and develop and communicate leading practices in student wellness through sharing of ideas, partnerships, and leveraging of resources with other experts and practitioners including those in student health centres. Membership includes representatives from students, various disciplines, the health community at large, and major postsecondary institutions. Permanent members include Brock University, Niagara College and Mohawk College.
Source: Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, Brock University
Retrieved from: https://brocku.ca/swac/
Student Mental Wellness at Niagara College
Niagara College Accessibility Services helps students struggling with mental health issues. The More Feet on the Ground educational website provides information about how to recognize, respond and refer students experiencing mental health issues on campus.
Source: Niagara College
Retrieved from: http://www.niagaracollege.ca/accessibilityservices/disabilities-and-accommodations/mental-health-disabilities/
