Grande Prairie Regional College is expanding access to mental health services thanks to a major investment from the Royal Bank of Canada. $250,000 over the next five years will develop the R-B-C Centre for Student Wellbeing right on campus. Vice President of Academics and Research Susan Bansgrove argues mental health challenges are some of the greatest in Canadian post-secondary schools.
“I think it has not always been discussed; I think it’s always been present. I think our students are under huge pressures academically, financially, in a variety of ways; it is our responsibility to help them address those challenges so that they can be successful.”
While exactly what will be built is still being decided, we already know a place for students to meet and connect with supports is being created in the Pillars cafeteria. The college already has a successful peer counselling program, which will be expanded along with mental health campaigns on campus.