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Dear Colleagues and Learners,
Algonquin College is here to offer support to anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by the tragic bus crash at Westboro Station on Friday, Jan. 11. Our thoughts are with all those involved at this very difficult time. Flags at all our campuses continue to fly at half-mast.
We want all our employees and students to be aware of services and resources that are available to them — both here at the College, and through other organizations.
The following services are available:
- Information line for families of victims: 1-855-797-8875.
- Ottawa and Region Distress Centre (answers calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with crisis line specialists providing confidential support): 613-238-3311.
- Mental Health Crisis Line (answers calls for people ages 16 or older 24 hours a day, seven days a week): 613-722-6914.
- Tel-Aide Outaouais (offers French-language mental health telephone support from 8 a.m. to midnight every day): Ottawa residents can call 613-741-6433, Gatineau residents can call 819-775-3223.
- Kids Help Phone (provides confidential 24/7 phone and web counselling for children and young adults 20 and under): 1-800-668-6868.
- Youth Services Bureau (provides youth and family counselling, crisis support, a 24/7 crisis line): 613-260-2360. Also offers walk-in counselling and an online crisis chat service for youth at chat.ysb.ca.
- Dial 211 to be connected to community, social, government and health service information in Ottawa 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and multilingual.
- The focus of the community is on providing care and support to the families affected by this tragic event. The Ottawa Police Service is continuing their investigation and is asking anyone who left the scene or has information about the collision to call police at 613-236-1222 ext. 2481.
For employees, I would like to remind everyone that the following service is available for you at Algonquin:
Employee and Family Assistance with Morneau Shepell: Call 1-844-880-9142 or online at https://www.morneaushepell.com/ca-en/your-efap
Our students access assistance through the following offices:
- Good2Talk (24/7 support for Ontario college students. These professional counsellors can also help connect you with support services in your neighbourhood): 1-866-925-5454.
- Algonquin College Student Distress Helpline: During regular business hours call 613-727-4723, ext. 7300 to be immediately connected to Algonquin College’s Student Support Services.
- Ottawa Crisis Line: Call 613-722-6914 (1-866-996-0991 outside Ottawa) for 24/7 crisis support.
Algonquin College Student Support Services Crisis Supports:
https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/
Sincerely,
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