Post-secondary students provided with important new mental health training resource

NORTHERN BC- A new free educational resource has been introduced in BC for post secondary students helping their peers struggling with mental health concerns. Starting a Conversation About Mental Health: Foundational Training for Students was adapted from a UBC resource and provides foundational mental-health and wellness information that helps post-secondary students respond to peers experiencing distress.

“Now more than ever, the support that our friends and peers provide can be the helping hand we need to get us through stressful times,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “This new resource provides training to students to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, so students can learn how to support their peers who may be struggling. I applaud the students who contributed to this resource.”

The training utilizes Indigenous perspectives on mental health and wellness to bring clarity, focus and balance to students’ lives. It also includes scenarios written by students that teach healthy ways to respond with empathy to peers who are struggling with stress and anxiety. It was developed by an advisory group of students, staff and faculty across the BC post-secondary system under the leadership of BCcampus.

“Connecting with someone who has had similar experiences can make all the difference for students,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Recognizing and understanding stress is so important for mental health and wellness. I hope that these materials encourage students to reach out to their peers who are struggling and make powerful connections.”