Programs/Initiatives
A variety of programming is offered in our schools that support mental health, such as: The Umbrella Project, School Mental Health Ontario’s Faith and Wellness programming, Roots of Empathy and Christian Meditation. Many of these programs are led by Student Support Workers (SSWs) in our schools. Additionally, our schools have Mental Health and Addiction Counsellors, and we have several protocols to support students who are struggling at all grade levels. These include our Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Risk Review (SPIRR) protocol and our Guide for Supporting Struggling Students. We work closely with our many community partners, including child and youth mental health agencies and our Mental Health and Addiction Nurses (MHAN), to ensure our students have support when needed. Keep reading for more information about the many mental health resources that are provided within our school board.
School Mental Health Counsellors
The CDSBEO employs school Mental Health Counsellors. Their role is to provide short-term counseling for students struggling with mental health and addiction concerns, as well as supporting students currently on wait lists for external agency support programs.
Mental Health and Addiction Nurse (MHAN) Program
In 2011, the Ontario government released “Open Minds, Healthy Minds: Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy” to transform the way mental health and addictions services are delivered across the province, including in schools. An initiative under this umbrella includes the support of mental health and addiction nurses in all schools. The nurses may become involved with a student for a variety of reasons including: students transitioning from hospital back to school, medication concerns that impact on mental health, to provide parent or teacher education regarding medications, to provide assistance with navigating the health care system, for substance use concerns and for students struggling with eating disorders.
To learn more click here.
Christian Meditation
The CDSBEO Religious and Family Life Education Department visits schools regularly to provide Christian meditation for students of all ages, which helps students to recognize God’s presence in their lives. Additionally, some school staff members have been trained in the Mindful Schools program, which helps to address toxic stress that occurs when life’s demands consistently outpace our ability to cope with those demands. Students learn strategies such as deep breathing, and paying attention with their five senses to God’s presence in their lives, which helps them to learn more effectively and regulate their emotions. For more information please visit: www.wccm-canada.ca
The Umbrella Project
The Umbrella Project aims to empower students to anticipate and prepare for life’s rainy days. The CDSBEO has introduced this teacher-led curriculum and school based program to help staff, students and parents reframe their perception of challenges and strengthen the skills of well-being to positively cope with the everyday stresses of life.
“Rainy days” are better with The Umbrella Project. Learn more at umbrellaproject.co