Mental health is one of the most urgent issues facing young people today.
According to CAMH, those aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.
The trend is reflected in a 2024 study by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, which found 1 in 3 post-secondary students reporting their mental health as poor.
Behind every statistic is a student trying to stay afloat — balancing coursework, finances, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, relationships and the pressure to succeed.
More than a building
That’s why TMU is building a Student Wellbeing Centre — a new, on-campus space that will bring health, counselling and wellness services under one roof.
It’s designed to make getting help easier, so students can access the care they need when they need it — all in one place.
This centre is more than a building — it’s a commitment to creating an environment where students are supported in every part of their academic journey.
Services in the centre will include counselling, health care, academic support, mentorship programs and more.
In the video above, learn why this milestone project is so important. Featuring TMU President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi, Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang, and fourth year student Erin Doan. (Toronto Metropolitan University/YouTube)
By students, for students
Fittingly, it’s in part thanks to the students themselves — in 2022, nearly 60 per cent of students voted to help fund the project because they knew what a difference this enhanced support could make.
One of those votes was from TMU grad Alexander Casucci (Philosophy ‘25).
Having navigated TMU’s services as a student himself, he says finding them could be a challenge for students.“
The more we can support students in crisis, the more we can help them overcome any challenges they may face and enable them to thrive,” he said.
“To have all of these resources in the heart of campus, in one state-of-the-art building, will be instrumental in giving students easier access to the supports that are in place.”
-TMU grad Alexander Casucci (Philosophy ‘25)
He says the impact will be significant.
“When you can easily access the resources you need, it can pave the way to success in so many areas of your life.”
Donor support
In addition to the funding support from students, the project has also received a significant boost from generous donors.
Contributors include: TMU chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang; vice-chair and co-founder of Burgundy Asset Management Ltd., Richard Rooney; former CEO of TD Bank, director of Thomson Reuters and chair of the Vector Institute, Ed Clark; and Mark Bonham, executive director of The Veritas Foundation.
The project will also benefit from RBC Foundation’s $2 million gift to Academic Accommodation Services (AAS), which will expand and elevate its programming for students with disabilities in the new building.
If you would like to support TMU’s new Student Wellbeing Centre, please visit the Student Wellbeing Centre donation page.
Watch the video above to learn more about this milestone project.
Related stories:
