From talking to a counsellor on the phone to a drop-in visit with a four-legged friend, Brock students are encouraged to access the various mental health supports the University has to offer.

With pressing deadlines and competing priorities increasing as the Fall Term progresses, Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) is reminding students to reach out in whatever way works best for them to access available supports.

Among the resources offered by SWAC are 24-7 telephone and text support from counsellors via Telus Health, allowing students to speak with counsellors quickly and confidentially about their mental health. Mental health drop ins are available from Monday to Friday in Harrison Hall and ST 402, including sessions with Leo the support canine on Mondays.

Other mental health resources offered by SWAC include:

• Telus Health counsellors on site to offer in-person sessions at the University.
• International student drop ins on Fridays.
• Peer support in the HUB from Monday to Friday.
• Specific supports for those experiencing addictions and substance abuse through Community Addiction Services of Niagara.

SWAC also organizes the From Intention to Action (FITA) counselling program, which is a structured intervention that is geared towards assisting students to improve their mental health, cope with academic stress, develop better learning strategies and maintain a healthy life balance.

Mehroon Kassam, Brock’s Manager of Student Health/Counselling, said she wants students from all walks of life to know that the University and SWAC are here for them whenever they need it.

“At times, it’s hard to be a post-secondary student while navigating life and academic pressures,” she said. “SWAC can help with all of those things, and we hope students will come see us.”

Along with the available resources, Lisa Peso, Interim Manager of Student Accessibility Services (SAS), said disabled students or students with a disability can speak with her team when mental health, or other disability-related needs, impact academics.

“SAS understands that the intersection between the academic environment and mental health can create barriers to participation,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure all students have equitable access to participate in academic life and we can provide resources, support education and/or accommodations depending on that impact.”

More information about the resources and supports available to students can be found on the SWAC website and any additional questions can be sent to counselling@brocku.ca

Students can receive urgent/crisis 24-7 telephone counselling by calling 1-833-276-2533 (1-833-BROCK33) and students who are outside of North America can call 001 416 382 3257 for 24-7 telephone support every day of the year.

Students in need of mental health supports can also access counselling and resources no matter the time of day through the Telus Health Student Support app, which offers text and chat support and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.