Cancellation Guidelines

Mental Health Support and Resources

Are you okay?

Our How to Ask for Help guide can help you determine if what you are experiencing is stress, distress or a crisis. Learn what actions you should take to help yourself, based on which of these situations you are experiencing.

The Breathing Space

This student wellness space, located in Doon 1A107, is home to the Peer Support Navigator. It is a quiet place on campus for students to take a break. The room is stocked with stress-busting activities and runs wellness-focused, drop-in groups throughout the week.

Please note: Due to current public health actions being taken regarding COVID-19, The Breathing Space is closed. Online drop-in groups are currently available. Sign-up on the Co-Curricular Portal to be sent a link to the online drop-in sessions.

Self-help

Self-help refers to techniques students can employ to maintain their own wellness. Another way of framing this is self-care. For self-help ideas please visit the mental health resources page or contact our peer support navigator for guidance and further recommendations.

Peer Support

What is peer support?

Peer support is a mental health and substance use service provided by an individual who has lived experience with these subjects. It focuses on building connections and sharing wellness tools and strategies. It is generally more relaxed and socially focused than counselling services, and can occur one-on-one or in a group setting.

Accessing peer support and self-help at Conestoga

A Canadian Mental Health Association peer support navigator is available for appointments and runs weekly peer support wellness and mental health drop-in groups.

To book an appointment email counselling@conestogac.on.ca or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 3679.

Visit the Co-curricular Portal for registration and information on mental health-related drop-ins and workshops.

Help a student

Are you worried about a friend's well-being? Often asking them if they need someone to talk to, and taking the time to listen, is a great first step to providing them with help. We suggest connecting with the Peer Support Navigator for advice or encouraging your friend to connect with one of the college wellness services.

If you are concerned your friend is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, please refer to our Emergency and Crisis Care information.

If you are a Conestoga faculty or staff member who is concerned about a student, please refer to the Student Success Services faculty resources and student referral section.

Off-campus mental health supports for students

The following mental health services are available for students residing in Ontario. If you need out-of-province or -country support, please visit this list of mental health services by the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health.

Good2Talk provides free and confidential support services for all Ontario post-secondary students, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Dial 1-866-925-5454 to talk, or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 to access professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.
Crisis support lines
For immediate assistance, call 911.

HERE 24/7 (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph) - 1-844-437-3247
Crisis Support Peel (Mississauga, Brampton, Peel areas) - 1-888-811-2222
Canadian Suicide Prevention - 1-833-456-4566

Dialogue Virtual Care - provided by the student health benefits plan.
Community counselling and mental health supports
These services offer sliding scale fees, and students can use their student health benefits plan for coverage.

SOCH Mental Health Resources

myWELLNESS