Confederation College will be focusing on supporting the mental health of Indigenous students.
They have received $263,920 coming from the provincial government. The funding is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, $2.39 million in funding given to seven other institutions along with Confederation College.
Leslie MacGregor is the Associate Dean of Student Success, and explains where the money will go.
“The focus is on Indigenous students to support and address the sense of belonging, community, and to ensure mental health well being and supports.”
MacGregor goes on to mention that the funding is crucial, especially during the pandemic that has taken such a toll on students.
“It really has exacerbated conditions in the lives of students, including their ability to connect.”
The Associate Dean concludes by stating the college has had to find different ways to support student mental health during these times when face-to-face interactions are not possible. Confederation College has incorporated technology and virtual meetings with students during since the beginning of the pandemic.
Even prior to the pandemic, the mental health needs of postsecondary students has seen a dramatic increase in Canada. The most recent National College Health Assessment survey in 2019, revealed some shocking statistics:
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- 52 per cent of students reported feeling depressed, compared to 46 per cent in 2016.
- 69 per cent experienced anxiety.
- 12 per cent of Canada’s students had considered suicide, compared to 14 per cent in 2016.
- 2.8 per cent of students reported having attempted suicide.
