As the final school bell rings and summer vacation begins, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is ensuring that mental health resources remain available to students during the break. This expanded initiative comes at a critical time when many young people face increasing psychological pressures without the structured support system that schools typically provide during the academic year.
“The summer months can be particularly challenging for students who rely on school-based mental health services,” explains Dr. Michelle Gilpin, Mental Health Lead for TVDSB. “Our goal is to create a seamless continuum of care that extends beyond the traditional school calendar.”
The program offers multiple avenues of support, including virtual counseling sessions, in-person appointments at designated community hubs, and a 24/7 crisis text line. These services represent a significant expansion from previous years, when summer mental health resources were considerably more limited.
Parents and students can access these supports through the board’s dedicated mental health portal or by contacting their school’s guidance department before the end of term. The board has also partnered with local community organizations to enhance the range of services available, creating what officials describe as a “comprehensive safety net” for vulnerable youth.
Mental health professionals have praised the initiative, pointing to research showing that approximately 20% of Canadian youth experience disruptions in their mental health care during summer months. “This kind of continuity is exactly what many students need,” notes Dr. Alexandra Reid, a child psychologist not affiliated with the board. “It acknowledges that mental health challenges don’t take summer vacations.”
The program particularly aims to reach students in rural communities, where access to mental health services has traditionally been more limited. Mobile mental health teams will visit designated locations throughout the Thames Valley region on a rotating schedule, bringing professional support directly to underserved areas.
For many families, the expanded summer services provide welcome relief. “Knowing these resources are available gives us peace of mind,” shares parent Jennifer Moore, whose daughter has utilized TVDSB mental health services during the school year. “Mental health support shouldn’t disappear just because school’s out.”
This initiative reflects a growing recognition among educational institutions across Canada that mental health services must evolve to meet year-round needs. As youth mental health concerns continue to rise nationally, the question remains: will other school boards follow Thames Valley’s lead in building more robust summer support systems for their students?
