From the office of MPP Laurie Scott
KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario government is providing a total of $695,894 to help increase access to mental health and addiction services, for students at Fleming College and Trent University. The funding will strengthen community partnerships, increase the number of mental health workers and programs, and immediately expand access for students to the provincial mental health and addictions system during COVID-19.
“There is no denying the added stresses the COVID-19 pandemic has presented to many post-secondary students in Peterborough-Kawartha, and throughout the Province. Having to pivot to learning almost exclusively online, and the difficulties that can arise when learning from home has been a challenge for student’s mental well-being. Despite this, I have been continuously impressed by both Trent University and Fleming College’s supports available to students. That is why I am thrilled to see this additional investment coming from the Province, so we can continue to address student’s well-being and ultimately help them achieve their goals.” stated Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, Dave Smith.
“We know, post-secondary education can be a difficult time for students, and the COVID-19 outbreak has only increased the pressure on students’ mental health. It is vital to create the right conditions to help students access supports and succeed in post-secondary education. This investment will help strengthen community partnerships, increase the number of mental health workers and programs, and immediately expand and increase access to mental health and addictions services for post-secondary students during COVID-19. We will continue to work with our post-secondary institutions, to ensure students are receiving the mental health supports they need.” explained Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP, David Piccini.
“Increasing access to mental health supports for students is more important than ever,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Halliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This additional funding will directly impact students attending both the Haliburton and Lindsay Sir Sanford Fleming College campuses and support a learning environment, which helps students succeed in education and life.”
This funding is part of the province’s total investment of $26.25 million for mental health supports for post-secondary students in 2020-21. It will support more services for students on-campus and virtually, and can also be used to address the needs of vulnerable and diverse groups, including students with disabilities.
Providing mental health supports for post-secondary students is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, the government’s plan to build a connected and comprehensive mental health and addiction system that ensures children, youth, and adults in Ontario receive appropriate services where and when they need them.