The Avon Maitland District School Board has established a Mental Health Information and Support phone number that invites students or families to call for information, for mental health support, or even a referral or connection to another local service provider.
Superintendent of Education Jodie Baker said they're very grateful that the ministry has recognized the need for some support through the summer.
"Some students, for sure, right now are feeling anxious and have concerns or just feeling stressed with all that we've come through. We do expect that will increase in the weeks leading up, so by mid-August especially, so we will have staff available for that," said Baker.
Baker said they expect that will increase leading up to the end of the summer and will have staff available to respond to that and the province has provided funding to help them do that.
"We can support calls that are mental health-related. We can support calls where they're want to inquire about other supports and services available in the community, or to answer questions, even though it's subject to change, to say where we are right now in terms of what might the school year look like," added Baker.
The service, staffed by Avon Maitland's Mental Health and Well-being Team, will be available Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all summer.
The contact number is 226-378-8931.
