The new nonprofit aims to make finding trusted, local mental health resources easier for students.
A group of Queen’s University students has launched a new platform designed to make it easier for young people to find trustworthy mental health support near their campus. Seedle.ca, created by four students, Yehonatan Shakarghi, Sharmin Dabidiyan, Tobore Akpoigbe and William Wu, is a nonprofit directory that shows verified counselling, crisis and wellness services within 25 kilometres of each school.
Shakarghi explains where the idea originated.
The founders say the idea came from their own first-year experiences in Kingston, when balancing classes, part-time work and a new environment made it difficult to know where to turn for help. Conversations with friends revealed the same struggle. Many students wanted support, but had no clear starting point.
Dabidiyan, who oversees resources, says the website makes it clearer where students can find help.
Seedle displays local resources with clear OHIP and UHIP information and does not require a login or collect personal data. Students can filter between online and in-person options and explore identity-affirming or culturally relevant supports, including dedicated listings for BIPOC and Indigenous students.
Dabidiyan says mental health is important for everyone.
The group says their goal is to remove confusion and make the first step toward care less overwhelming for domestic and international students.
Shakarghi adds that mental health is a major factor in student success.
They hope the platform will strengthen student well-being by connecting young people to the right support at the right time.
Story by Alyssa Brush
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