University of Winnipeg students call for better mental health services

Students from the University of Winnipeg are calling on administration to provide access to more mental health counselling services to students.

Students rallied at a board meeting Monday to draw attention to what they believe are inadequate mental health services on campus.

Peyton Veitch, vice-president advocatewith the University of Winnipeg Students' Association (UWSA), said the U of W has a responsibility to provide general counselling to students in need.

Veitch said with the current state of services at the university, many students have to turn to outside community groups or private counselling to get help.

Institutions across the country are recognizing the importance of investing in full time employed general counsellors and we're calling on the University of Winnipeg to do the same, said Veitch.

Veitch said a phone-in campaign recently held by the UWSA saw over 350 calls made to administration demandingchange.

Student interest and engagement that we're seeing all around us right now speaks for itself, said Veitch. We've heard it loud and clear from students: make mental health a priority.