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Seneca's Mental Health Intervention program launched in May 2015, with 20 students enrolled. As part of the curriculum, students will complete a capstone graduation project, which will result in an RBC-supported workshop to be delivered to community partners.

RBC Royal Bank

Championing mental health collaboration

(L to r): RBC representatives Rina Pillitteri and Raffaele Innocente, with Seneca Mental Health Intervention students Caroline Sura and Nicole Frost.
PHOTO: JOANNE RATAJCZAK

THROUGHOUT CANADA, RBC Royal Bank has made a clear, ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives focusing on mental health services for young people and their families.

The bank has funded various programs that address families’ access to mental health services and those that prioritize collaboration among service providers -within the mental healthcare and general healthcare systems.

When Seneca became aware of RBC's priorities, conversations began about a project that could leverage the new mental health programming at King Campus, as well as the strong community partnerships the College has built with service providers in healthcare and counselling in Toronto and York Region.

Seneca proposed a bi-annual symposium that would serve as an opportunity for community and social agencies across York Region to congregate at King Campus and discuss best practices, research and emerging trends in mental healthcare and emotional well-being for children and adults. RBC liked this concept and has generously agreed to fund this symposium over the next five years, as its contribution to the Campaign for King Campus.

“With RBC's contribution, this symposium will become a signature event at King Campus,” says Tina Di Simone, Dean, Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences. “It will offer students the opportunity to build relations with future employers and a forum to strategize about holistic approaches to promoting and facilitating mental health initiatives.”

The RBC Royal Bank Mental Health Symposium at Seneca will be held every other summer starting in 2016, and guests will include community agencies, government, medical professionals, and RBC representatives. It will also offer a platform to celebrate the achievements of mental health advocates in the classroom and in the community, with an award sponsored by RBC.

“We are so thrilled to be part of much-needed mental health initiatives like these,” said Rina Pillitteri, Regional Vice President, RBC. “We understand that there are many people affected by mental health issues across Canada. To be able to provide services to help youth and their families is a very important step in the right direction.”

As well, RBC's gift will establish the RBC Mental Health Community Outreach Program. This provides an opportunity for students in the new Mental Health Intervention graduate certificate program to visit partner organizations and facilitate workshops on best practices in mental health and wellness. This first-of-its-kind program launched in May 2015.

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