University Canada West is deeply disturbed by the horrific terrorist attacks that have taken place recently in Israel. We unequivocally condemn these disturbing attacks on Israeli civilians. The atrocities that have taken place there are barbaric and reprehensible.
This is not about politics and affiliations – this is about terrorism and morality. We are sending our deepest sympathies and support to every victim, colleague, friend, family member and anyone else who is affected by this war.
As we closely monitor the situation, our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our students and employees. Please be mindful when communicating with anyone affected by these tragic events and support them the best we can in the difficult weeks that lay ahead.
We want to remind our community that UCW offers support services and resources to those who may be affected. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the support services available for any assistance you may need during this challenging time. UCW is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment to all members of our community.
Information about support for students:
- UCW Student Support Services can be reached at [email protected].
- Keep Me Safe: https://www.myucwest.ca/cms/?p=1824
For mental health support, this a service that can be accessed by phone at 1-844-451-9700 or +1-416-380-6578 if outside of Canada. Students will be matched with a specially trained consultant within seconds of calling. - Here2Talk: https://here2talk.ca/main
This is a government-funded service that connects B.C. post-secondary students with mental health support. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counseling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone (604-642-5212), and web. - In addition, there are some community groups such as Mosaic Settlement Services for international students new to the country (https://mosaicbc.org/find-a-service/) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver (https://www.jewishvancouver.com/israel-solidarity) for culturally sensitive support.
Information about support for faculty and staff:
- Continuing and sessional faculty as well as full-time staff have access to mental health professionals and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through our extended health benefits program. We want to remind you that UCW covers 100% of the premiums for you and your eligible dependents. For more information on these benefits, consult your benefits booklet.
- Vancouver Coastal Mental Health – Vancouver Hospital – Call 604-675-3710 anytime. They offer group therapy for depression, anxiety, and stress. They also provide individual mental health assessments. A referral through your family doctor or another organization may be needed for some programs.
- Wellness Together Canada – Canada-wide call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741. Wellness Together Canada is a free, private, and confidential resource that is available 24/7. It was created in response to an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding from the Government of Canada.
- Here to help – Please visit heretohelp.ca for information on free or low-cost counseling. You can also Call 310-6789 (no area code required) anytime.
- For more virtual mental health support information, visit the BC government’s mental health portal here.
Published on October 17, 2023.
