LC giving students free gym passes

Lethbridge College will be offering free Fitness Centre memberships to all students for the Winter 2021 semester, as they recognize the links between physical and mental health and to ensure all students have access to gym facilities.

Following along with the easing of provincial health restrictions, the college will reopen its Fitness Centre to students and employees for pre-scheduled, one-on-one personal training with the college’s certified trainers beginning Feb. 8.

The college completed a student survey during the Fall 2020 semester, which identified challenges felt by students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased mental health supports was near the top of the issues reported, so the college responded with increased access to supports.

“We understand the challenges faced by students in a flexible learning environment are different than what they have ever faced before,” says Samantha Lenci, Provost and Vice President- Academic. “Long hours in front of a computer screen and feeling isolated from classmates and instructors can have an adverse effect on mental health. In addition to our increased health and wellness supports that are available remotely, the promotion of physical health is an important step we can take to help students.”

In response to the pandemic, Lethbridge College has made its Wellness Services supports available remotely for students to access wherever they are located. Students can meet virtually with Wellness Services staff or access virtual counselling provided by Shepell counselling services. The Shepell Student Support Program (SSP) also offers 24/7 services for students both online and by phone.

“Our commitment is to support our students both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Nancy Russell, Dean of Student Affairs. “We have heard their call for increased mental health resources, and we want them to know they are available. No matter what they are feeling, we are here to help and can provide them confidential support. I encourage any student to reach out if they need support.”

Students are able to learn all about the resources available to them by visiting lethbridgecollege.ca/wellness.