The first anniversary of Here2Talk

PRINCE GEORGE – Here2Talk, British Columbia’s first dedicated mental health support service for post-secondary students, is marking a successful first year providing guidance and support to 3,285 B.C. students.

“This has been a difficult year for everyone, and post-secondary students have faced unprecedented pandemic-related challenges, along with the annual stress of final exams and anxiety around securing a summer job,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “We want students to know Here2Talk is available for them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to offer support and guidance.”

Youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years are more likely to report mental illness and/or substance use disorders than other age groups, influenced by pressures ranging from financial stress to personal relationships, academics, sleep problems, and stigma in seeking helpHere2Talk has been used more than 10,300 times since the service was launched in April 2020.