Preamble & Scope

The mental health and well-being of Lambton College students are prioritized to support their academic success and lifelong achievement. This is fostered by creating a safe, inclusive, equity-based, and compassionate culture that is supported by a comprehensive range of college mental health and well-being services and community partnerships. The purpose of this policy is to increase awareness of, and ease of access to, the range of mental health and well-being supports, services, programs, and resources and accessible spaces provided at Lambton College and within the community.

This policy applies to all members of the Lambton College community including Governors, College employees, and students. The mental health and well-being of students are a shared and collective responsibility of the entire Lambton College community. This policy outlines the college’s student-centered principles and approaches to mental health and well-being and provides information on the mental health and well-being supports, services, programs, and resources available.

Objectives

The objectives of this Policy establish guidelines for promoting student well-being, supporting students in distress, and fostering an equitable and inclusive environment that supports positive mental health.

Provide Evidence-Based Supports & Streamline Crisis Management

1. Lambton College commits to offering a continuum of mental health services to address the diverse needs of its student body. This includes providing, or connecting students to, trauma-informed and evidence-based counseling, specialist services, peer support, and self-care resources that are accessible physically, culturally, linguistically, financially, and administratively.
2. Key actions:
   1. Ensure availability and accessibility of mental health support, awareness, and prevention services, with widely promoted information across campus.
   2. Collaborate with community organizations and external service providers to offer a diverse range of services.
   3. Clearly outline and communicate mental health service referral and crisis response protocols, specifying the roles of community members to reduce confusion and distress in times of crisis.

Implement Campus-Wide Mental Health Awareness and Literacy Initiatives

1. Lambton College will promote mental health awareness and literacy through initiatives that educate students and staff on maintaining mental well-being and recognizing mental health concerns. These include stigma-reduction campaigns, mental health training for campus community members, and resources to encourage help-seeking behaviors and harm reduction.
2. Key actions:
   1. Conduct mental health training for faculty, staff, managers, and students.
   2. Implement stigma-reduction campaigns and awareness efforts on an ongoing basis.
   3. Provide training in self-management, resiliency-building, and coping skills development to equip students with strategies for managing stress and promoting positive mental health.

Foster a Supportive & Inclusive Campus Environment

1. Lambton College strives to create an environment in which students can flourish academically and personally. This involves creating welcoming, accessible spaces and promoting trauma-informed, inclusive learning environments. The College encourages students to utilize campus resources, reinforcing their right to accommodations and underscoring the collective responsibility of the community in fostering an accessible and supportive environment.
2. Key actions:
   1. Establish warm, accessible, and inclusive physical spaces where students can gather, learn, and connect.
   2. Develop processes to address and mitigate barriers for students requiring mental health accommodations.
   3. Encourage a culture that prioritizes mental health alongside academic achievement and supports help-seeking when needed.
   4. Integrate universal design principles into classrooms and service areas, where feasible.

Promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

1. As part of its commitment to EDI, Lambton College aims to build an inclusive environment where all students feel valued. Recognizing that students from marginalized groups often face unique mental health challenges, the College will prioritize initiatives that reduce mental health disparities and promote culturally safe, accessible support services.

Reinforce Institutional Commitment and Foster Shared Responsibility for Student Mental Health Across Campus

1. Lambton College recognizes that promoting student mental health and well-being requires commitment and active participation from the entire college community. Initiatives will encourage diverse student engagement, voice, and agency in mental health matters. Students are viewed as equal partners in achieving these objectives, and efforts will be made to include representatives from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in decision-making processes.
2. Example initiatives:
   1. Communicate to the Lambton College community that student mental health is a shared responsibility, with a call to action for all members to play an active role in supporting student well-being.
   2. Establish feedback channels for the community to suggest improvements to the college’s approach to mental health.
   3. Include students from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes to ensure all voices are represented.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. All members of the Lambton College community play a role in creating an environment that supports positive mental health and well-being. The following roles outline the specific responsibilities expected to support students in thriving at Lambton College.

All Community Members: Staff, Faculty, and Students

1. All Lambton College community members are expected to:
   1. Familiarize themselves with this policy and their responsibilities within it.
   2. Participate in fostering a culture that supports positive mental health, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
   3. Work to eliminate stigma and shame associated with mental health challenges and encourage open conversations.
   4. Engage in mental health literacy and education training.
   5. Know the available mental health resources and help guide others to these services as needed.
   6. Create a non-judgmental environment that supports help-seeking behavior.
   7. Prioritize their mental health by practicing positive coping skills and seeking help when necessary.
   8. Foster a positive, inclusive, safe, and respectful campus environment, by advocating for a climate where all forms of violence and bullying are strictly prohibited.

Board of Governors

1. The Board of Governors will review the final report annually to assess progress and adapt plans as needed.

College Management Team

1. College Management Team (CMT) will:
   1. Develop and implement action plans within their departments to support the policy’s objectives as required.
   2. Allocate resources—human, financial, and material—to support the action plan.
   3. Promote the policy across their areas of responsibility and ensure accessibility for students.

Faculty

1. Faculty members will:
   1. Recognize signs of mental health challenges among students, while understanding that faculty are not responsible for providing clinical support.
   2. Promote awareness of available student support services within the classroom.
   3. Make every effort to complete internal PD related to supporting student mental health and responding to students in distress.
   4. Implement inclusive, recognized teaching practices that support mental health and accessible learning.
   5. Consider mental health implications in course designs and apply content advisories as appropriate.

Student Administrative Council (SAC) & Other Student Leaders

1. College’s Student Administrative Council (SAC) and other student leaders are instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for student mental health. In addition to the community-wide responsibilities (outlined in Section 3.2), SAC and student leaders will:
   1. Prioritize mental health awareness, advocacy, prevention, and outreach activities.
   2. Promote and advertise available mental health resources, ensuring students are aware of their rights to accommodations and serving as a resource for those seeking mental health support.
   3. Foster a positive, inclusive, safe, and respectful campus environment, especially within student organizations, by advocating for a climate where all forms of violence and bullying are strictly prohibited.
   4. Ensure diverse student voices are represented in leadership and decision-making, reflecting the varied backgrounds and identities within the student body.
   5. Actively listen to students who approach them with mental health-related questions or concerns and help guide them to the appropriate resources when needed.
   6. In decision-making roles, consider the potential impact of policies and actions on student mental health and well-being.

Full Student Population

1. The entire student body at Lambton College shares the responsibility for cultivating a positive mental health environment. In addition to the responsibilities in Section 3.2, all students are encouraged to:
   1. Prioritize their mental health alongside academic goals, seeking support when necessary.
   2. Offer support to peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges by expressing concern and referring them to available resources.
   3. Understand that without clinical training, they should avoid providing mental health counseling or advice and instead help guide peers to appropriate support services.
   4. In case of a mental health emergency, contact campus security or call 911, recognizing that such situations require professional intervention and should not be managed alone.

Compliance and Annual Reporting

1. Lambton College is committed to full compliance with the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024. The Policy and its components will be implemented in accordance with any Ministerial directives and by the deadlines stipulated in the Act. All changes or updates will be promptly communicated to the College community.
2. Through these commitments, Lambton College reaffirms its dedication to creating a community of care, supporting the mental health and well-being of all its students.
3. The Academic and Student Success Division of Lambton College, on behalf of the College, will provide an annual report to the College’s Board of Governors, as required by Section 19 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act (MTCU Act) that includes the implementation and effectiveness of its student mental health policy in the preceding year. The annual report will include service usage, outreach and engagement data. The report will be publicly posted online by January 31 of each year beginning January 2026.

Adoption, Evaluation, and Reporting

Policy Evaluation and Review Mechanisms

1. This policy will be reviewed annually with data collection and analysis to inform updates. Areas of evaluation include:
   1. Participation of students in committees and other roles impacting mental health policy and well-being.
   2. Engagement of the student body in Lambton College mental health initiatives, with participation reflecting the diversity of the campus community.
   3. Service usage and student engagement data.
   4. Integration of new evidence-based resources and practices into the policy.
   5. Use of surveys to gather insights on mental health knowledge, perceptions, and well-being.
   6. Collaboration with external organizations (health and social services) to meet the diverse needs of the college community.
2. Results from the evaluations will be shared broadly to maintain transparency and inform continuous improvements.

Policy Distribution

1. Lambton College will promote this policy widely through multiple channels to ensure that all members of the campus community are aware of its contents and updates.

Policy Implementation Date

1. This policy will take effect on January 31st, 2025.

Attachments and Specific Links

Appendix A Student Mental Health Supports and Services

Definitions

Accessible Mental Health Services

Services that meet diverse student needs and eliminate barriers related to race, ethnicity, income, physical ability, gender, sexuality, or location.

Student Administrative Council (SAC)

SAC is a student-led organization dedicated to representing and advocating for student voices at Lambton College.

Mental Health Literacy

The ability to recognize stress, specific disorders, as well as one's knowledge about:

• risk factors and causes of mental health issues;
• diverse professional help services;
• how to obtain and maintain positive mental health, including self-care skills;
• how to seek mental health information; and
• knowing when and where to seek help.

Mental Health

A state of well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can reasonably cope with the stresses of life, can live, study, and work well, and is able to make a contribution to the community. Synonym: "psychological health." The World Health Organization states, "[...] in this positive sense, mental health is the foundation of well-being and effective functioning for an individual and for a community." Substance use disorder can be a coping strategy to the "stresses of life," many individuals have concurrent disorders, and mental health includes an individual's relationship with substances. [Source: Adapted from World Health Organization.]

Mental Health Concerns

A spectrum of concerns that can range from distressing temporary symptoms to a wide range of mental health disorders and illness affecting one's mood, thinking, behaviour, or physiological responses.

Stigma

A set of negative attitudes and unfair beliefs or stereotypes that lead to stigmatization, discrimination, and social inequity experienced by individuals and groups. For example, organizations may exclude or disadvantage individuals who experience less than optimal mental health or mental illness. Stigma can be organized into social stigma, structural stigma, and self-stigma.

Well-being

The presence of the highest quality of life in its full expression of the following dimensions:

• cultural;
• emotional;
• mental;
• physical;
• social; and
• spiritual.

Student Mental Health Support and Services

On Campus Supports (Mental Health)

Service Area	Service Description	Contact
Counselling & Wellness	Provides mental health counselling and wellness programs to support students' emotional, academic, and psychological well-being.	counselling@lambtoncollege.ca
Lion's Mind	Peer-led mental health initiative offering resources, workshops, and support for students.	lionsmind@lambtoncollege.ca
Lion's Pride	2SLGBTQ+ support and community for students to connect, feel safe, and access resources.	lionsmind@lambtoncollege.ca
Campus Security	Ensures campus safety, provides emergency response, and supports students in crisis.	security@lambtoncollege.ca / Ext. 3333
Accessibility Services	Supports students with disabilities by offering accommodations, resources, and advocacy.	ac@lambtoncollege.ca
Indigenous Student Centre	Provides a safe space for Indigenous students with access to cultural, social, and academic supports.	isc@lambtoncollege.ca
Student Success Navigators	Helps students with academic success, time management, and mental health referrals.	student.success@lambtoncollege.ca
Lion's Heart	Offers emotional and crisis support for students experiencing grief, loss, or challenging situations.	lionsheart@lambtoncollege.ca

Community Supports

Service Area	Service Description	Contact
CMHA (General)	Provides community mental health services, resources, and support for individuals in need.	Cmha.ca
CMHA Crisis Line	24/7 crisis support for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency.	519-336-3445 / toll free: 1-866-299-7447
911	Emergency services for immediate medical, mental health, or safety concerns.	Dial 911
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO)	Mental health and addiction services for youth ages 12-25, with resources and supports available.	519-491-1466 / ywho.ca
Rebound	Provides programs and services for youth focusing on mental health, life skills, and personal growth.	reboundonline.com / 519-344-2841
The Centre	Sexual Assault & LGBTQ+ support services, including counselling, social programs, and advocacy.	519-337-3320
Women's Interval Home	Provides emergency shelter, crisis counselling, and support services for women experiencing abuse.	519-336-5200
Inn of the Good Shepherd	Offers food, shelter, and emergency supports for individuals and families in need.	519-344-1746
Bluewater Health (BWH)	Mental health and addiction programs, including inpatient and outpatient services.	bluewaterhealth.ca / 519-464-4400
DiversityEd	Advocacy, education, and support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their families.	548-997-5428 / diversityed.ca

Virtual Supports Sarnia and Ottawa

Service Area	Service Description	Contact
Good2Talk	Confidential support service for post-secondary students in Ontario, available 24/7.	1-866-925-5454 / text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 / chat on good2talk.ca
9-8-8	Canada-wide suicide crisis helpline, offering 24/7 support for individuals in distress.	Dial 9-8-8
Talk Suicide Canada	National service for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.	eMentalHealth.ca / 1-833-456-4566 / text: 45645
Hope for Wellness Helpline	Immediate support for Indigenous peoples across Canada, available 24/7.	1-855-242-3310 / hopeforwellness.ca
Trans LifeLine	Peer support service for transgender people, offering emotional and crisis support.	1-877-330-6366
LGBT Line	Support service for LGBTQ+ individuals via call or text.	1-800-268-9688 (Monday & Tuesday 4-9:30pm) / Text: 647-694-4275

Student Mental Health Supports Ottawa

Service Area	Service Description	Contact
Counselling & Wellness	Provides mental health counselling and wellness programs to support students' emotional, academic, and psychological well-being.	counselling@lambtoncollege.ca
Counselling Connect	Provides free same-day or next-day counselling sessions, via phone or video, by community agencies in Ottawa.	https://www.counsellingconnect.org/ or by calling 211
The Walk-in Counselling Clinic	Provides free counselling appointments, no referral or appointment required.	https://walkincounselling.com/
The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region	The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region 24/7, with distress and crisis line specialists providing confidential, bilingual support.	https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/ 613-238-3311. text and chat between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
The Mental health Crisis Line	Bilingual services for people ages 16 or older 24 hours a day, seven days a week.	1-613-722-6914
OPS Program	Provides free, publicly-funded, evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions. Uses cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches.	https://www.theroyal.ca/osp
Family Services Ottawa	Support services to families, parents and children.	https://familyservicesottawa.org/services/
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa	Provides emergency shelter, crisis counselling, and support services for women experiencing abuse.	https://sascottawa.com/