SMH-ON website enhancements for improved functionality and user experience
As part of the 2022-23 digital content strategy, School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) has been working on website improvements focused on enhancing the user experience through easier navigation. The updated site is resource focused so that school staff can quickly and easily access classroom resources that support student mental health. Updates include:
- Updated homepage and menus – the resource section is now easier to find with resources showing on the homepage and a quick link button from the top navigation directly to resources; the audience tiles on the homepage now show some of the content within each section.
- Updated audience landing pages – the landing page for each audience is redesigned to function like an audience-specific homepage with easy access to curated content.
- New ‘Favourite this page’ functionality – Visitors can favourite pages throughout the site and they will be saved in a ‘My favourites’ section upon their return.
- Updated resource section – Improved filtering makes it easier to find resources based on specific needs. New thumbnail images and related resource feature on posts are designed to help visitors get to what they need.
Brian Woodland, communication and support team lead for School Mental Health Ontario says, “Through anecdotal conversations and an extensive review of the website we noted a variety of concerns that arose because of the volume of resource production during the pandemic. We worked through many of those issues and are excited to launch a revitalized site to better meet the needs of our stakeholders”.
The site is intended as a one-stop website for evidence-informed resources designed with Ontario school staff in mind.
“This is part of our effort to put high-quality evidence-informed resources into the hands of system/school leaders, educators, school mental health professionals, parents and caregivers, and students themselves,” says Kathy Short, executive director of School Mental Health Ontario, “Quickly and in a format that is ready-to-use to support student mental health.”
Visit the updated site at smho-smso.ca. Visitors can subscribe to updates to receive emails as new information and resources are available.
Media Contact:
For questions about the new website, please contact Dani Rathwell drathwell@smho-smso.ca