Let’s Talk – resources at George Brown to support your mental health

COVID-19 continues to challenge us in many ways and the isolation and reduced face-to-face time with classmates, friends and family can take a heavy toll on our mental health. 

This year’s #BellLetsTalk Day (Wednesday, January 26) is the second of the pandemic. Every January, millions of Canadians take part in the campaign to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health. The campaign raises millions of dollars for mental health initiatives (5 cents is donated for every text, call and social media activity related to #BellLetsTalk).  

This month, the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund awarded $1 million in grants to 16 colleges, universities and cégeps across Canada to support mental health initiatives. We’re proud that George Brown College was one of them. There are many other factors aside from the pandemic that affect the mental health and well-being of George Brown community members and these new funds will help us increase access to services and programming. 

"It’s important for everyone to feel comfortable talking about and seeking help with mental health challenges they’re experiencing. I know the past two years have been difficult, and the strength and support our college community provides has never been more important,” Yukimi Henry, George Brown College’s Director of Counselling and Student Support said.  

“I encourage everyone to participate in Let’s Talk activities, whether that’s sharing on social media or learning more about resources available to you here at George Brown and in the greater community.” 

Student mental health support  

Counselling and Student Well-being provides free and confidential one-on-one counselling. You can talk to counsellors during secure video calls that can be booked through our online scheduling form. A wide range of other mental health resources and services are available through the Counselling and Student Well-Being website. Visit georgebrown.ca/current-students/services/counselling for more information. 

We Connect 

 The Student Association health benefits program, We Speak Student, also provides mental health services through the We Connect program. We Connect can provide 24/7 virtual/online and telephone counselling in multiple languages to students worldwide. 

Contact We Connect by calling 1-888-377-0002 or by visiting the We Connect website. 

Connect with others at George Brown 

There are many ways to virtually connect with other George Brown students who share your interests. Visit the Peer Supports page for more information. In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, George Brown now offers a unique student-led mental health and well-being learning space, Community Club: A Wellbeing Project. For more information about this free program visit Community Clubs page.

Employee mental health support 

We encourage employees to access mental health resources available through the Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP). Employees can visit login.lifeworks.com and log in with the username GBC and the password wellness.