Saskatoon student facilitators see increased calls as kids struggle with mental health

RAP Saskatoon president Leane Durand highlighted the increase in conflict that students are facing in Saskatoon schools.

The Restorative Action Program in Saskatoon is seeing an increase in demand as students struggle with their mental health.

RAP Saskatoon president Leane Durand said their facilitators act as a bridge and are there to listen and offer supports to kids facing conflict.

“Our facilitators offer a trusted, judgment-free space with a focus on one-on-one relationship building and conflict resolution,” Durand said.

She said this is especially prevalent in Grade 9 students, adding they’ve seen a notable increase in situations this year.

Durand gave an example of a group of girls deciding to ostracize one girl, saying that can escalate to the point where that single girl decides she isn’t going to school anymore, and things only get worse from there.

Durand said they are involved in a range of situations, from what some may consider small drama to much more escalated situations where violence and weapons could be introduced.

She said all the facilitators are trained professionals and all have a degree in social work or an education degree, and also have extra training in conflict management.

“The level that we are involved in really depends on each situation.”