A high school in the Rainbow District School Board is trying something different as a service for its students.
With some money from the province, the high school in M'Chigeeng First Nation is now running a program that looks to improve mental health in the school.
Manitoulin Secondary School staff says The Creating Hope Project is all about developing mental health individual plans.
"The stats tell us that one in five students will experience some sort of mental health challenge and many of those they begin to show symptoms at the age of 14. And unfortunately, many people go without help, and so this is a way to try and reach out to students, so that they're not suffering in silence." said social worker Alison Orford.
In order to sign up for the program, students first access a form on the school’s Google Classroom. Students then fill out their name, which staff member they want to talk to, and how quickly they want to meet.
"So for example, one of the things we got them to do was take a walk if they are really anxious before a test. So, they're going to take a five minute walk, come back to class, get their head straight and write the test." said Aboriginal support worker Thomas Trudeau.
Students that talked to CTV News say they are excited about the program.
"I think it will be really beneficial to a lot of students and I hope that it will stop some interactions from being teacher-to-student and start them being person-to-person." said Darci Debassige, a student.
"I personally don't have any mental health challenges, but I know some students here do. And I think it’s going to be very beneficial and we're very fortunate to have teachers that will step up and support this program." said Abby Smith, grade 11 student.
"I think this program is really awesome and I find it really reassuring that teachers care about us in a way that's outside of the classroom and more personal." said Ryann Hudson, another student.
Rainbow District School Board says Manitoulin Secondary is the first school in the board to have a program like this.
The school has over 400 students enrolled.
Since the program was launched, 27 forms have been filled out.
