May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At Vancouver Community College, whether you’re a student, employee, or faculty member, this is a time to pause, check in with yourself and others, and recognize that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being.
Mental health is health
The need for mental health support in Canada is real—and growing. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness. In addition, systemic inequalities such as racism, poverty, homelessness, discrimination, colonial and gender-based violence, among others, can worsen mental health and symptoms of mental illness, especially if mental health supports are difficult to access (Fast Facts about Mental Health and Mental Illness, CMHA).
In addition to everyday pressures—like course workloads, work responsibilities, and financial stress—larger events in our communities can also deeply affect our mental health. Whether it’s a traumatic incident, a loss, or a situation that sparks fear or concern, it’s natural to feel impacted even if you’re not directly involved. These moments can add weight to what we’re already carrying.
VCC’s Mental Health and Well-being Framework
As part of the college’s vision for the future laid out in its Strategic Innovation Plan, VCC launched a comprehensive VCC Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework in 2022 after extensive consultation from employees and students. The framework aims to guide the college’s well-being efforts in promoting mental health.
How VCC can support you
VCC offers a range of supports designed to meet employee and student needs—confidentially, compassionately, and without judgment.
Below are some of the health resources available to the VCC community. We encourage you to explore what’s available, share it with your peers, and make mental wellness a priority this month—and every month.
STUDENTS
Counselling Services
VCC Counselling Services offers students a supportive and confidential environment to explore their emotional well-being, providing professional guidance tailored to individual needs. With a team of experienced counsellors, VCC is dedicated to promoting mental health and fostering personal growth throughout the academic journey. Learn more about Counselling Services.
Togetherall
VCC students have free access to the online community known as Togetherall. This platform is expertly overseen by mental health professionals, providing individuals with a secure and confidential space to share your thoughts, worries, and successes. Best of all, this resource is readily accessible 24/7/365 and is absolutely free for everyone aged 16 and above. Learn more about Togetherall / Watch Information Video.
EMPLOYEES
Well-being at VCC
VCC offers a wealth of resources for VCC employees:
- Not Myself Today® is a resource created by CMHA to help reduce stigma and support mental health at work. VCC employees have access to resources, tools, and activities.
- The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary support service that can help you take the first step towards change. EFAP provides both short-term clinical counselling and work/life support to eligible employees and their dependent family members, at no cost to users.
- Through VCC’s extended health benefits for employees, individuals have access to a registered clinical counsellor of their choice each year. Submit your receipts through www.pac.bluecross.ca just like you do for your prescription receipts.
- VCC’s Employee Wellness Community, stay up-to-date with VCC’s online and in-person wellness activities and events. Visit the Wellness Events section on myVCC.
To learn more or access any of these services, login in to myVCC’s staff portal and visit Well-being at VCC or contact wellness@vcc.ca .
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Suicide prevention
Please take a moment to watch the college’s suicide prevention videos which remind us that it’s ok to ask for help and reach out to others who might be struggling.
- ‘You help others. Let them help you when you need it most’ (Watch)
- ‘You don’t need to be an expert to help’ (Watch)
Trust your instincts. Check in with your friends, family and campus community. Remember, you are not alone.
After-hours and off-campus crisis/emergency
If you need to talk to someone about an urgent personal matter that is not about academic concerns, call your local 24/7 Crisis Centre:
Here2Talk: 1.877.857.3397
Greater Vancouver: 604.872.3311
Lower Mainland: 1.866.661.3311
BC Wide: 1.800.784.2433
Call 9-1-1 if there is a risk to your or someone else’s safety.
Your well-being is important to us, and here at VCC we are committed to providing you with the support and resources you may need to thrive during your time with us.
Whatever your experience may be, you are not alone. We are here to help.
