Loyalist Student Success offering referrals for free family counselling

By Graham Whittaker

BELLEVILLE – Student Success at Loyalist College has partnered with Counselling Services of Belleville and District this year to give students access to family counselling.

Referrals for free sessions at Counselling Services’ office in downtown Belleville are available for students having any family-related issues.

The initiative started at the beginning of the current school year and is funded by the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health, which provides the resources so that Ontario colleges and universities can provide more services to help students.

Loyalist Student Success director Aaron Doupe says after meeting with the counselling team to discuss a possible community partnership, the team decided to pursue community connections that assist students struggling to balance their school and family lives.

“In 2018 and 2019, a number of students were interested in receiving counselling support with their partners or family members,” he said. “Research and our experience shows that supports for partners and families can increase well-being.”

Doupe says that relationship problems are among the top reasons why students are looking for support, and until now there was no opportunity like this.

So far this year, Student Success has used the program and given references to some students, but is still hoping that those who can make use of the service will seek them out considering the funding as it stands currently only last until the end of the school year, he said.

“We’ve certainly had interest; with the funding end date of March 31, we want to ensure everyone is aware of this great free service,” Doupe said. “We hope other students seeking counselling support with their partners or family members will take advantage of this program. It removes the cost barrier and gives students access to the supports they need.”

Students looking for a referral should seek out an appointment with Student Success and they will be put in touch with the resources that they need to resolve their relationship, family or any other obstacles standing in the way of their academic success, Doupe said.