Deciding to move away from family and community to pursue post-secondary education is a brave endeavour. We understand that this decision comes with many challenges and that students can only be successful if their full range of needs are acknowledged and addressed. All staff go out of their way to develop positive relationships with students and demonstrate commitment to supporting them through their whole range of needs—whether they are academic, financial, lifestyle, or emotional/psychological. When specialized needs arise, there are specialized supports available.
Community partners
We understand that healthcare, childcare, and community supports are essential services for students’ experience at NS, which is why we work closely with our local community partners at the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team, the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, and Tunngasugvingat Inuit. At all times, we encourage students to reach out to our staff if they are in need of any support.
Mental well-being
Life's stresses can sometimes impact our mood and overall wellbeing, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression. If you're experiencing these challenges, it's important to know that there are people who can help.
Tips for feeling better
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is essential for a happy and healthy life.
Here are some practical tips to help manage stress and improve your mental health:
- Stay Active: Physical activity can help combat feelings of depression by boosting your energy and self-esteem. Even small steps can make a big difference. For more information on local physical activity options
- Do Things You Enjoy: It’s common to lose interest in things you once enjoyed during tough times. Keep engaging in activities you used to love, and the enjoyment will gradually return.
- Increase Social Activities: Depression often leads to isolation. Staying connected with others, even in small ways, can help break the cycle.
- Reduce Stress: Take time to clear your mind and relax. If you're feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to postpone big life decisions.
- Resolve Personal Conflicts: Unresolved relationship issues can contribute to stress and depression. If you're struggling, a counselor or psychologist can offer guidance on resolving conflicts.
- Learn Relaxation Techniques: Try yoga, meditation, or visualization to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Improve Your Sleep: Sleep and mental health are closely linked. If you're struggling to sleep, speak to our Counsellor for helpful tips.
- Ask for Help: Sometimes, it’s hard to navigate challenges alone. Reach out to someone who can listen and support you. If your request for help isn’t heard, don’t hesitate to ask again or find another person who can offer support.
Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. There are people and resources available to support you.
Crisis support and need help now
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7 (Bilingual, Other) 1-855-242-3310
Telephone counselling services available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, English, and French. - The Mental Health Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) 613-722-6914
Compassionate and caring crisis support. - Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services
Chat 2:00 pm to 2:00 am and text 2:00 pm to 2:00 am at #258258 - Distress Centre of Ottawa (24 hours a day/7 days a week) 613-238-3311
Help line providing emotional support and encouragement, crisis management and intervention, suicide risk assessment and prevention, and community resource/referral information.
9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline)
Help when you need it most.
If you are feeling like you have lost hope and are struggling to cope, if you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else, 9-8-8 is here for you. When you reach out, a trained responder will listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and can tell you about resources that will help.
To learn more, visit:https://988.ca/.
9-1-1
If you are in urgent or life-threatening distress, please call 9-1-1.
TI - The day counselling program
The focus of the program is to be able to provide community-based counselling services that both reflects the culture and healing from an Inuit perspective. The staff draw from ongoing training and years of experience working in the community.
The program has two Inuktitut speaking staff. The staff have worked with a variety of challenges from grief and loss, to trauma and addiction.
To learn more, visit:https://tiontario.ca/programs/day-counselling-program
Sexual assault victims
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre Crisis Line 24/7 (English) 613-562-2333 24hr Line: 613-562-2333
Services available 7 days a week for survivors of sexual violence, supporters, family and friends of survivors. Accompaniment can be arranged through the crisis line to hospital and police. - Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa (24 hours/day) 1-613-234-2266
24-hour crisis support. - Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Program at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital 1-613-798-5555 ext. 13770
Private and confidential trauma informed services to survivors of sexual assault and partner abuse. - Ottawa Victim Services 1-613-238-2762
Emotional support, practical assistance (alarms or 911 cell phones) or victim compensation (safe accommodation when violence against women shelters are full.
Women
- Talk4Healing 1-855-554-HEAL
Culturally grounded, fully confidential line for Indigenous women. Available in 14 languages across Ontario. - Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
24-hour crisis support. - Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a secure text and online chat service for women who may be living through increased violence and abuse at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Text us: 613-704-5535
LGBTTQQ2SI
- Trans Lifeline 1-877-330-6366
Non-profit hotline run by transgender people, for transgender people. - LGBTTQQ2SI Youth Line 647-694-4275
Confidential, non-judgemental & informed LGBTTQQ2SI peer support. There is a live chat option on the webpage.
College safety
Personal safety tips
- Stay alert, be assertive, and make quick eye contact with others. Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave. Don’t be fraid to make a scene.
- Use well-lit, well-travelled routes.
- Carry emergency money for cab/bus fare and make sure your phone is charged.
- Use the buddy system when travelling around the campus or off campus.
- If, for any reason, you have concerns for your personal safety, please do not hesitate to contact NS staff immediately.
- For students at the residence, ensure that your door is kept locked when you are out, even for short periods of time.
Theft prevention tips
- Do not leave valuables unattended. This includes phones, wallets, purses, laptops,
- tablets, school bags, backpacks, etc.
- Mark your belongings. It has been proven that marked items are less likely to be stolen.
- Report any stolen items or suspicious behaviour to NS staff immediately.
To prevent locker thefts
- Always secure your locker with a strong durable lock.
- Never leave an unlocked locker unattended.
- Do not leave valuables in the lockers
- If you must leave valuables in a locker, be cautious and discreet.
- Before leaving the locker area, ensure your locker is secured with a lock.
Lost and found
It is the student’s responsibility to protect and insure their property.
The College is NOT responsible for the property of its students or employees that becomes lost, damaged, or stolen while on NS College premises.