More Mental Health Support for College and University Students

Ontario Government Moving Forward with Mental Health and Addictions Strategy

Ontario is strengthening mental health services for postsecondary students across the province as part of its Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.

Ten projects from across Ontario are moving forward in round one of the Mental Health Innovation Fund, including a province-wide, 24-hour-a-day, 365 days a year helpline to provide support for college and university students with mental health concerns. Kids Help Phone is working with postsecondary institutions on the service, which is expected to be in place within the next year.

The new Ontario government is committed to providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place to help young people live healthy, successful lives.

Quick Facts

• The ministry will begin accepting proposals from colleges and universities for the second round of the fund later this year.
• Ontario is investing $27 million over three years to provide improved mental health services for postsecondary students.
• The support for postsecondary students is part of the multi-year $257 million Mental Health and Addictions Strategy announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget.

Quotes

“We want to give college and university students the help they need to succeed in postsecondary education. We want to help them have a healthy, productive transition to postsecondary institutions and deal with newfound independence, both on and off campus.”

Brad Duguid
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

“Our Mental Health and Addictions Strategy is about providing faster, easier access to young people who need the support. These new services will help Ontario’s youth overcome challenges and reach their full potential, no matter which part of the province they are in.”

Teresa Piruzza
Minister of Children and Youth Services

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