Ontario launches mental health help line for university, college students

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The province is launching a mental health help line for college and university students as part of its Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.

Good2Talk will be available across the province 24 hours a day, every day, for students with concerns about school life, health or mental well-being (at 1-866-925-5454.)

Brad Duguid, minister of training, colleges and universities, says the pressures on students these days can be overwhelming, especially when they are away from home and on their own for the first time.

The service, which will be delivered by Kids Help Phone, will provide professional counselling, mental health information and connections to local resources, and will be free and confidential.

The government says it is also introducing 10 new projects at colleges and universities to improve access to mental health services for students.

The province says it is putting $257 million into the multi-year Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.

"We want to let college and university students know they aren't alone and that there is help," Duguid said Friday.Ontario launches mental health help line for university, college students