In 2020, the University of Ottawa took action to support its community. The President’s Special Advisory Committee on Mental Health and Wellness was launched, and by the end of the year, it had submitted a clear list of 12 recommendations that would create a framework for change on campus — one that would support those suffering from feelings of loneliness, alienation and other disorders plaguing young people today.
One of those recommendations was to appoint a University Advisor on Mental Health and Wellness. Elizabeth Kristjansson started in that role in July 2020 and has been working with partners on our campus community towards meeting the 12 recommendations and filling gaps.
Making progress
In April 2021, the University of Ottawa Alumni Association was the first to step in and offer financial and community support for this holistic plan. Their 10-year, $500,000 commitment expands uOttawa’s circle of care by bolstering counselling services to ensure that students have access to support services in the afternoons and evenings.
The Virtual Wellness Hub, a central information portal with peer chat functions, is an essential communication tool and another pillar of the strategy. Whether on campus or at a distance, there is advice and information on the Hub for the entire community.
Tying everything together is a true focus on community. A caring and knowledgeable community will create a culture that is more open and understanding. A successful suicide prevention strategy, for example, will give gatekeepers (peers, faculty, and community members) the tools they need to learn and understand mental health first aid.
“Training is essential,” says Elizabeth Kristjansson, “Academic advisers and professors who understand disorders can make such a difference. The culture at uOttawa has to evolve so that everybody better understands mental illness. I believe that we all need to support each other.”
The university has developed a case management model for students who are most at risk. Case managers help students overcome the obstacles they may encounter in their lives that could impede their ability to thrive at school – either at a distance or after they return to campus. Thus far this summer and fall, more than 200 students have been referred to our six case managers. Furthermore, this model has resulted in better communications and referral mechanisms between the faculties and Student Services.
Growing our support for a sustainable wellness platform
We are now drawing the attention and support needed to make wellness initiatives sustainable. The Ontario government is providing us with a $557,200 grant as part of Ontario's Roadmap to Wellness. This is supporting a physical and virtual peer support wellness lounge, the case management model for at-risk students, a mental health information campaign targeted at our vulnerable communities, and a peer support program for people with substance use disorders led by our community partner, the Community Addictions Peer Support Association.
Bell Canada has provided $25,000 for in-depth community consultations, including focus groups. This funding is assisting uOttawa with the important work of launching the National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-being for Post-Secondary Students and to engage with our diverse populations for better inclusivity in our mental health initiatives.
At uOttawa we are driven by the urge to challenge the status quo, the will to make an impact and the ambition to become a catalyst for change.
Our key priorities include fostering a culture of care. Investing in initiatives that help decrease stigma related to mental illness and improve students’ overall mental health and well-being is one way we’re achieving our goals.
Learn more about what we’re doing to respond with integrity and creativity to the demands of our rapidly changing world and find out how you can be part of this exciting transformation.