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Submitted by Mary Gauthier, IMHS Project Manager with IMHS Co-Leads, Caryn Langstaff and Ashleigh Fortune
In the spring of 2023, the Task Force of the SLC Integrated Mental Health Strategy (IMHS) launched into the phase of implementing its workplan, under the co-leadership of Student Success and Belonging, People & Culture, and with the support of SLC’s College Executive Team.
Ten subgroups comprised of staff from across departments and students from across disciplines regularly convened to advance the over 100 tactics across five key pillars of focus: Academic and Student Support, Workplace Supports, Cultural Change, Physical Environment, and Literacy, Education and Stigma Reduction. In the spirit of this Anishinaabe art piece, the IMHS has truly been a leadership opportunity bringing together all areas of the College to participate in creating a safe and supportive learning community.
The first year successfully marks almost a quarter of the work (24%) as being completed and moving into ongoing operational plans for sustainment, with another 40% of the identified objectives well underway with a status of in progress.Combined, this represents almost two thirds of the IMHS work plan objectives being completed or in progress. This is a significant achievement, given the highly collaborative, necessarily evaluative, and culture-shifting work involved.
Since the last update, the following have been completed:
-Togetherall has launched, providing 24/7 support for students on this professionally monitored digital peer-support platform, in a one-year pilot funded by the IMHS.
-The promotion of the keep.meSAFE app is now included in international orientations.This resource provides 24/7 access to live, culturally aware resources that support well-being for international students.
-Resilience will now be a focused objective for our students, being embedded into programming through the Co-curricular Record.
-Change Management training has launched with 94% of College Leadership Council (CLC) already having completed the training. Future delivery to all full-time SLC employees to come as well as the addition of further training for Change Agents/Champions to support the work around SLC in Five + 3 Strategic Priorities.
-Positive Space (LGBTQQ2S+) training was re-established in Fall 2023 and continues to be offered.
-The renovation of Student Wellness & Accessibility space in Kingston is complete.
-A number of additional accessible washroom projects have been completed, and this work is ongoing.
-A monthly Student Wellness newsletter has launched, providing students with regular wellness updates and reminders about resources and events.
-Kingston Therapy Dogs are on-site monthly to provide drop-in support, with similar offerings now available tri-campus.
Surge Reward Program for staff has been established and is aimed at encouraging engagement and involvement in various SLC training and activities.
-Harm Reduction training continues and is currently being implemented for students and staff.
To ensure sustainable practices, many tactics are now transitioning to the operational workplans of relevant departments. With that transition, we will see dissolution of and/or modification to subgroup structure. The Task Force is currently identifying further opportunities to sustain and advance practices, while streamlining subgroups, evaluative processes, and Task Force requirements.
From the increased provision of direct, relevant mental health services and the creation of inclusive, health promoting spaces, to the reshaping of polices, practices and knowledge that underpin a culture that promotes well-being, the IMHS Task Force looks back over its first year of implementation with a sense of accomplishment and motivation for continued progress. The IMHS Work Plan is a multi-year dynamic and evolving roadmap, and the work is ongoing.
If you have any questions about the IMHS, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly or at mentalhealthtogether@sl.on.ca.