Reach Out

Reach Out Give Support

Welcome to the REACH OUT Information Page

The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre wants to equip all Brock students with the knowledge and ability to be able to recognize the signs that a friend or yourself might be in need of some support, REACH OUT to their friends when they notice these signs, and REACH OUT to services on or off campus to get you or your friend the correct support.

Signs to look out for and approaches to support: 

  • Friend missing lectures – “I haven’t seen you in class lately! Is there anything I can help you out with?”
  • Friend more irritable than usual – “You don’t seem like yourself lately, is something going on?”
  •  Friend drinking/using more substances than usual – “Are you okay? I’ve been a bit worried about you lately.”
  • Friend is having trouble getting motivated about anything – “Is everything alright? I’m always here to talk if you need to.”
  •  Friend hasn’t been talking to any of their friends recently – “I’m thinking about you. How are you feeling today?” 

Tips for when you are giving support 

  • Put your phone away and stay focused on the person 
  • Find a quiet, private place to talk 
  • Recognize and respect the importance of their feelings
  •  Remember that you don’t have to find a solution
  •  Most of the time the person just needs someone to listen 

How to GIVE support to a friend

Ask – “Seems like you haven’t been yourself lately, is everything okay?”   

  • Starting a conversation could make a difference 

Listen- “That sounds really difficult, I’m sorry you are struggling right now.” 

  • Be an active listener, pay attention, use body language to show you are listening, defer judgement
  • Validate and empathize 

Encourage action – “Thank you for talking to me, I know that took a lot of courage.” 

  • Refer to resources, encourage them to talk to an expert, appreciate them for talking and show your support.

Check-in – “How have you been since the last time we spoke? Has anything changed.”

  • Cultivate support systems for them, ask if they have seen a professional.

How to GET support for yourself (COLE)

Check- in- “Am I okay? I don’t think I’m on the right path.” 

  • Check-in with yourself and recognize the signs that you might be struggling

Open up – “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately.” 

  • Talk to someone and let them know what is going on

Listen-  “Thank you for your help, I will try to get the help I need.” 

  • Listen to people you open-up to and use the resources available

Evaluate – “Is this helping? Is this the right resource for me.” 

  •  It’s important to check-in with yourself and see if progress has been made 

  Resources to reach out to at Brock 

  • The Hub TH 134 Monday to Friday 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. 
  • 24/7 crisis counselling  Call 1-833-BROCK33 (1-833-276-2533)
  • Campus Safety Call 1-905-688-5550 Ext. 3200 (crisis)
  • Sexual Violence Support and Response MCE 215 Call 1-905-688-5550 ext. 6174 

Resources to reach out to in the Niagara Region 

  • Niagara Distress Centre-  Call 905-688-3711
  • Good 2 Talk-  Call 1-866-925-5454
  • Niagara Outreach and Support team-  Call 1-866-550-5205
  • Niagara region Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA)- Call 905-682-4584
  • Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON) – Call 1-905-684-1183 

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