The Student Association of George Brown College expresses our deepest concern and heartfelt solidarity with Caribbean communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with a particular focus on Jamaica, which has been most severely affected. We stand with all those who have been impacted — especially students and community members within our college who have family, friends, and loved ones in the region.
The destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa has left many communities in crisis — homes destroyed, lives lost, and countless families displaced. We recognize the immense emotional toll this disaster brings and the challenges that our Caribbean students and community members may be facing.
To those impacted: you are not alone. The Student Association encourages any student experiencing distress or worry due to this disaster to reach out to our Student Association support services, as outlined in this message, for help navigating this difficult time.
We stand as one; helping the people of Jamaica experiencing hardship to rebuild. The Student Association will also be taking action to support relief efforts.
Solidarity knows no borders. The Student Association remains steadfast in our commitment to compassion, community and unity values that remind us that when one of us is hurting, we all feel it.
Together, we extend our love, strength, and support to the resilient people of the Caribbean and to our peers who carry this pain in their hearts.
As the Jamaican motto says
“Out of many , one people”
we stand as one people, helping Jamaica rebuild.
If you need support during this difficult time, please use the following services as a support.
Community Care Centre
The Community Care Centre offers peer-to-peer support for all students and retains dedicated staff for students from marginalized groups.
You can reach the CCC by emailing
CareSupport@SAGBC.ca
WeConnect
Students enrolled in the Domestic Student Plan and international plan in the Post-Secondary Program have access to the Student Assistance Program (SAP), called WeConnect. This program offers short-term therapy, lifestyle counselling, resources to support both mental and physical well-being.
WeConnect is available 24/7 by phone from anywhere in the world.
To access the service, call 1-855-853-0565 or visit the link below and complete the registration process.
GBC Student Well-Being
The College is deeply committed to providing responsive supports to our community. Counselling & Student Well-being Services is available to all students located in Ontario who may need support to deal with the current situation.
Free, confidential counselling appointments can be booked online through our student portal, or by contacting our front desk at letstalk@georgebrown.ca.
GBC International Student
Student may contact our International Student Support team for immigration related concerns, and temporary fee relief, as well as, support in academic accommodation requests.
A message to students from affected countries has been sent with details and dedicated support during this time.