Mount Allison dedicates itself to the creation of a mentally healthy campus where all students are supported and encouraged to reach academic success and personal wellness. The commitment is illustrated through the University’s Meighen and Wellness Centres’ services and supports, which include student engagement and advocacy.

This fall, the University welcomed a generous donation of $240,000 from the Windsor Foundation that will greatly assist in long-term programming in support of effective mental health education and literacy.

The Windsor Foundation Mental Health Education Initiative seeks to increase mental health education and literacy on campus for students, faculty, and staff members.

“Mental health is something we all have and need to support. Changing culture and norms around mental health takes time,” says Anne Comfort (’87), director of accessibility and student wellness. “Using noted psychiatrist Dr. Stan Kutcher’s principles in the Teen Mental Health Transitions pilot project, Mount Allison will build on current mental health programs and resources on campus and work to break down the stigma around mental health.”

Planned initiatives include:

• Increased positive mental health activities and education facilitated by trained staff in the University’s Meighen and Wellness Centres
• Training programs for student peer supporters, who could offer services such as stress-free zones, online support chat, and events such as drop-in sessions
• Cultivation of Mental Health Champions, students and staff who would receive advanced training to take a leadership role in campus activities and promotion of self-care and mindful practices

“This program and the other mental health initiatives on campus give students the ability to learn coping skills. I tell a lot of the first-year students to take advantage of the programs Mount Allison offers — you will use what you learn in the rest of your life,” says Risha Minocha-McKenney, honours chemistry student and mental health and harm reduction intern in the Wellness Centre. “We come to school for the proper education to take us forward in life. This is also important for mental health and Mount A does a great job of providing this education.”

“The Windsor Foundation’s support of mental health education and initiatives on campus will benefit our entire University community,” says Comfort. “Thank you to the Foundation for its support and commitment to mental health and wellness.”