It’s no secret the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on everyone’s mental health, especially kids.
Deb Crawford, Director of Education for the St Clair Catholic District School Board says they have resources to support students, staff, and families.
“In some cases it can affect learning and can cause significant emotional issues,” Crawford says. “Our students or caregivers seeking immediate mental health supports can text a number or visit the board’s website in order to seek assistance. Students, parent/guardians or caregivers can either be referred by a classroom teacher or they can self-refer.”
For its part, the Lambton Kent District School Board offers support with referrals handed by each school’s principal.
“We’ve been focusing quite a bit on keeping ourselves well, because when we’re well we can support student wellness also,” Howitt says. “This is an area the province has invested in, which has resulted in an increase of the number of social workers we have available in the school system and over a 12 month period, versus the regular 10 month school year.”
Howitt says the board is also doing what it can to offer support and resources to battle bullying, racism, and oppression.
Resources:
Lambton Kent District School Board: https://www.lkdsb.net/Board/Community/MentalHealth/Pages/default.aspx
St Clair Catholic District School Board: https://www.st-clair.net/mental-health-home.aspx or text 226-402-1593.
Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit: https://ckphu.com/?s=mental+health