The rewards of a university degree can come with challenges and stress. It’s not always easy to find someone to talk to, especially now.
Now, post-secondary students across British Columbia have a new way to get free, confidential counselling.
Here2Talk, a new service just announced by the BC government, connects all post-secondary students in BC with 24/7 mental health support.
“With the advent of COVID-19 and the increased stress it puts on students, we doubled down to get students the supports they so desperately need,” says Melanie Mark, BC Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Available online, via an app or over the phone, Here2Talk is a resource for students wanting help with issues including depression, anxiety, loneliness, pressure to perform, crises, racism and relationships.
The service is available online in English and French. Other languages are available by phone.
Counsellors can also help students connect with mental health resources in their communities.
“Because it is designed for the post-secondary demographic, it provides targeted support for students at any time when they need to connect,” says Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC. “This service stands to increase access to confidential student support province-wide while linking to existing services on campuses and in communities.”
It’s an additional source of help for UCW students, who get free, 24/7 access to Guard Me Student Support Program, which connects UCW students to support advisors.
UCW students can reach out to a Guard Me Student Support Program advisor or counselllor through a range of platforms, including the app, web chat, the website or via voice and video call.
All information shared with Guard Me Student Support Program counsellors is completely confidential.
To learn more about Here2Talk, visit www.here2talk.ca or call 1.877.857.3397 toll-free or 604.642.5212 direct.
To learn more about Guard Me Student Support Program, visit gmssp.org or phone 1.844.451.9700 toll-free.
