Donor doubling funds raised for mental health of Brock students

Patron will match up to $50,000

Brock University has received a financial commitment to allow for the creation of a fund to strengthen mental health resources available to its students.

An anonymous donor will match up to $50,000 raised to support the university’s student mental health fund.

In a news release, Brock director of development and stewardship Sonia Dupte said she hopes the university community will recognize the importance of the initiative.

“We need their help to support the emerging needs of our students and to ensure they receive the services required to maintain their studies and their mental health,” she said.

“As the stigma of accessing resources decreases, we need to meet increasing demands and ensure we invest in the capacity to build a system of support that is in need of essential funds.”

Dupte said donations will increase accessibility and shorten wait times for students seeking mental health resources.

“Collaborating with Brock and community partners ensures the well-being of our students on campus and in the Niagara region,” she said. “Support for mental health can increase the active engagement of students, reduce the stigma of accessing mental health assistance and increase training for practitioners.”

Sarah Pennisi, director of the student wellness and accessibility centre, said the additional funding will strengthen supports for students.

“We are committed to providing all of the resources our students need to maintain their mental health,” she said. “These new funds will allow our teams to enhance their online efforts and outreach while ensuring Brock remains a caring, student-centred campus where everyone feels supported.

“We are committed to responding to student mental health needs as they emerge, and to being proactive and building students’ resilience and strengths while they are here with us at the university.”

The fund will be available to students when they return from the fall reading week, which runs next week.

Sean Vanderklis is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Niagara Falls Review, covering education issues across Niagara. His reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.