Connect with Immediate Support

In accordance with U of T’s IAR Training, behaviours, thoughts and feelings that raise specific safety concerns include:

• Vague or overt references to harming self or others
• Vague or overt references to thoughts of suicide
• Confusion, disorientation, apparent disconnect from reality
• Expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness

If you are unsure whether there is a specific safety concern, directly and openly ask the person (e.g., “Have you self-harmed recently?”, “Are you thinking about suicide?”, “Are you feeling confused or disoriented right now?”, “Does your situation make you feel hopeless, helpless or worthless?").

Develop a plan prior to initiating contact.

Students, staff, faculty and librarians may contact:

• a counsellor at U of T Telus Health Student Support
  • Call 1-844-451-9700
  • Dial 001-416-380-6578 from outside North America.
  • Download App: Apple | Android
  • Staff, faculty and librarians can use for after-hours support
• U of T Engineering's Student & Community Wellness Coordinator during business hours at wellness@engineering.utoronto.ca

For students:

1. Notify your instructor or TA if this is a peer in your class. They may already be aware and/or in contact with the individual.
2. Directly connect them to someone in a position to help (i.e., a service listed in the sections above.) NOTE: If the person disconnects from or leaves the conversation because they do not wish to be connected to the resource, continue making the connection without them. The emergency resources will support you in continuing to support this individual.
3. Connect with the Student & Community Wellness Coordinator to better support yourself and your peers.

Reach out to the Community Safety Office if there is specific safety concern (such as stalking, harassment, bullying, violence, etc).

For staff, faculty and librarians:

1. Directly connect the student to someone in a position to help (i.e., a service listed in the sections above.) NOTE: If the person disconnects from or leaves the conversation because they do not wish to be connected to the resource, continue making the connection without them. The urgent/emergency resource will support you in continuing to support this student.
2. Pass along any critical info that you have gathered. By openly sharing, you are allowing the student to correct any misinformation and provide additional details.
3. Take direction from both the urgent/emergency resource and the student to determine whether it is best to stay or disconnect/leave.
4. Connect with your supervisor to let them know what happened, determine additional steps and let them know how you are doing.
5. Follow up with the student to determine if the connection was helpful and/or if any additional resources are required.
6. Seek help for yourself. Consider accessing resources offered through the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) if applicable (faculty, staff and librarians only). Alternatively, Connex Ontario (1-866-531-2600) is a service that provides system navigation information and could help to find the right mental health service for you.