Brock’s ongoing commitment to the mental health of its students will be further enhanced with the introduction of the new My Student Support Program App.

Launched Dec. 1 as a one-year pilot project with Morneau Sheppell, the app offers real-time, 24-7 confidential telephone and text chat counselling support for the Brock student population.

Sarah Pennisi, Director of Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre, said the app’s round-the-clock support is needed as students continue to adjust to learning online.

“With the transition to an online environment, we are concerned about students connecting to mental health supports when they need them,” she said. “Our current data from Morneau Shepell reveals that about 40 per cent of students who call for an appointment call after business hours. We think that if students call for an appointment, they may want to speak with someone immediately rather than wait.”

To proactively meet students’ needs and reduce barriers for support, telephone and text chat options on the app will be available immediately when a student reaches out and in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

In addition to live supports, the app also offers a wealth of mental health and well-being resources, including articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, evidence-based screening self-assessments and free access to the virtual fitness app LIFT.

The app joins an array of services already available to support students, including access to Canadian Mental Health Association counsellors, Student Health Services, Student Counselling Services and the 24-hour Good 2 Talk hotline.

Pennisi said the scale and depth of services available are indicative of the University’s commitment to students’ mental health and well-being.

“We know that health is an integral part of students’ success at Brock,” she said. “The resources are available here to support students as they continue to work towards their personal and professional goals.”

For more information about the app and other personal counselling options, visit the Personal Counselling Services website.

The app can be downloaded on the App Store and Google Play, where students should search for ‘Brock University Student Counselling Program’ when creating their profile.

Watch the video below for a general overview of the My Student Support Program App.