Here2Talk To Provide Mental-Health Care For Students This Winter

As post-secondary students settle into the school year, the province is reminding students that mental-health support is available 24 hours a day, for those who may be coping with anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

“Post-secondary students continue to face uncertainties and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and Here2Talk is available to help,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

“We remain committed to ensuring post-secondary communities are well supported and well informed on mental health, so we’ve reintroduced the provincewide Here2Talk campaign this winter to remind students that they are not alone. Here2talk counsellors are ready and waiting to provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We all need help sometimes. If you need support, reach out to someone.”

Here2Talk is a virtual counselling service that provides immediate mental-health support to students via the Here2Talk app, over the phone or through online chat.

It offers 24/7, confidential emotional support, including crisis intervention, from experienced counsellors, some of whom have experience dealing with the common challenges faced by students.

The free service is available to all part-time and full-time students registered in a public or private B.C. college, university, institute, or trades program, whether they are in Canada or abroad.

It aims to supplement any services students may already be accessing through their school or community.

Since its April 2020 launch to July 2023, services have been accessed approximately 32,000 times. Seventy-three per cent of students said the service provided them with the support and tools they needed, while 65% said they would refer their friend or classmate to the service.

Seventy-two percent of students said the service improved their situation.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.