About

Check out this short video for a snapshot of what the AC Umbrella Project is all about!

The AC Umbrella Project is creating a safer space on campus to discuss how the use of alcohol and other drugs impact students’ lives and focuses on helping students reduce any problematic effects they may experience.

The Umbrella Project provides training, workshops, education, awareness, and support services for students and staff.

Algonquin College has undertaken a two-year project funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Mental Health Innovation Fund with the goal of providing resources, information, and support to help students reduce the harm of their alcohol, marijuana, and substance use, following a harm reduction approach. (Think of it like a seat belt: wearing one doesn’t stop the act from happening, but it mitigates the risks.) This project is a collaboration between Algonquin’s Student Support Services, Partnerships and Applied Research, community partners Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and Tungasuvvingat Inuit Centre.

Meet the AC Umbrella Project Harm Reduction Team

AmandaNeilson

Amanda Neilson, Harm Reduction Consultant

  • Child and Youth Worker diploma and a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
  • First came to work in the addictions field after seeing how people who suffered from addictions received very little treatment in the shelter and criminal justice system.
  • Fifteen years of experience working with youth, adults, and their families within the addiction/mental health sector.
  • “Substance use and substance use disorders is such a complex topic. There are lots of reasons why people use substances (alcohol and other drugs). Most people won’t develop long-term problems. Trying to share information on how students who use can stay as consequence-free as possible is difficult when the greater social message are ‘Drugs are bad. Don’t do drugs’ or the opposite ‘EVERYBODY in college drinks.’ Both statements are inaccurate. Trying to challenge these ideas that have become social norms requires a large team and many different levels of intervention, education, and change, but luckily we have the whole College behind us to do just that.”