Great Plains College partners with Fresh Start to offer face-to-face counselling
Great Plains College and Fresh Start have entered an agreement to provide face-to-face counselling services for students at its college locations. In-person counselling services will be piloted from November 2021 to February 2022 with the possibility of extension.
“The service is being implemented as part of the overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Keleah Ostrander, director of learner services and adult basic education. “Through this partnership, we will be able to further support mental health and overall wellness for students more effectively.”
Fresh Start’s head office is in Swift Current, but will be deploying counselling services throughout the college’s region, which includes Warman, Martensville, Kindersley, Biggar and Maple Creek. “We are excited to expand our services and to serve the students of the college,” said executive director of Fresh Start, Sally Wiens. “Our counselling services will be available to students experiencing difficulties and will also build on the services the college currently has in place.”
Great Plains College currently offers a Health and Dental benefit program to its students, which includes online counselling services and multiple health and wellness resources. “After gathering institutional data on the effectiveness of mental health and wellness supports at the college, it was determined that there may be a need for more face-to-face services,” explained Ostrander. “We are hoping this will fulfill the need identified and our students feel better supported during these challenging times.”
To book an appointment, students are encouraged to contact a student adviser at the college or phone/text Fresh Start at 306-741-0538. Visit www.greatplainscollege.ca/student-life/student-health-dental for more information.
