Peer Support
Peer Support Team For 2026/2027
Front Row:
Michelle (Peer Support Specialist), Emily (Peer Support Facilitator), Rowan (Peer Support Facilitator), Serena (Peer Support Facilitator). Maham (Peer Support Facilitator), Helia (Peer Support Facilitator), Natalie (Peer Support Facilitator), Simran (Peer Support Specialist)
Back Row:
Cassandra (Peer Support Facilitator), Priyanka (Manager of Peer Support & Health Promotion Programs)
Peer Support
You don鈥檛 have to figure it all out alone. Being a student can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, assignments, work, relationships, and everything else life throws your way, it鈥檚 a lot to manage.
That鈥檚 where Peer Support at Health Promotion Programs (HPP) comes in. Our trained student Peer Support Facilitators are here to listen, support, and help you navigate whatever鈥檚 on your mind because sometimes, talking to another student who gets it can make all the difference.
We offer:
One-to-One Peer Support 鈫� Prefer a private chat? You can book a session with one of our trained Peer Support Facilitators for a confidential, supportive conversation tailored to you.
Peer Support Groups 鈫� Warm, welcoming spaces to connect, share, and learn from each other. Some groups are run in partnership with the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Science, so you鈥檒l get the best of both worlds: student-led conversations with professional guidance.
Whether you鈥檙e new to 91看片网 and looking to build healthy habits, or you鈥檝e been managing tough emotions for a while, we鈥檙e here to help you feel less alone and maybe even make a few new friends along the way.
What to expect when you book?
One-to-one peer support is all about creating a warm, supportive space where you can share your story, talk through your feelings, and reflect on your experiences with someone who gets it. One-to-one chats take place either in a private room in POD 70 or online through a secure Google Meet link, whatever works best for you. Sessions are usually 45 minutes, but we can adjust the time to fit your needs.
What is a Peer Supporter?
Peer Supporters are fellow students who鈥檝e been through their own challenges with academics, health and mental health, now use that experience to support others. They鈥檙e here to listen, relate, and help you feel more confident and connected. Through training in skills such as active listening, leading conversations, sharing their stories, and offering support with empathy, Peer Supporters create a warm space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered.
What鈥檚 the difference between peer support and counselling?
Peer Support, whether one-to-one or in a group, is here to offer a supportive, understanding, and validating space where shared lived experience is exchanged as a way to learn, grow and hold hope. Peer Support can be a gateway to connecting with other wellbeing supports such as counselling. While it can be a great place to talk things through, it's not the same as therapy or counselling, and isn't meant to replace professional mental health support.
If you're looking for support or treatment for mental health concerns, Peer Support Facilitators can help connect you with the right services at 91看片网 or in the wider community.
Peer support groups are created by students for students. Here you can talk about your experiences in a safe and welcoming space with your peers.
Bonus: When you participate in our groups, you can earn an Active Peer Badge to boost your resume and Linked-In. Learn more below.
Dates: Starting October 5; Weekly every Monday for 10 weeks
- October 5, 19, 26
- November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- December 7, 14
*This group will not be running during Reading Week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 11:00am 鈥� 12:30pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those interested in joining virtually will receive a zoom link*
Facilitators: Cassandra, Maddie
Navigating life as a neurodivergent person can be overwhelming, especially when moving through a world that wasn鈥檛 built with us in mind. Join us in building a supportive community for fellow neurodivergent students with Autism and/or ADHD, where we can let down our masks and empower each other through the ups and downs of university and life beyond. Together we will explore topics such as neurodivergent identity, self-advocacy, sensory processing, navigating relationships, and more.
Both diagnosed and self-identifying students are welcome!
Dates: Starting October 6; Weekly every Tuesday for 6 weeks
- October 6, 20, 27
- November 3, 9, 16
*This group will not be running during Reading Week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 1:00 鈥� 2:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those interested in joining virtually will receive a zoom link*
Facilitators: Cassandra, Rowan
Being queer means so many different things and your journey is uniquely yours. Whether you're exploring your identity, navigating coming out, questioning relationship norms, or finding your place between family expectations and chosen family, Queer Community Circle is a space where you don鈥檛 have to explain, shrink, or hide who you are.
No pressure to share just come as you are, and know you're not alone in figuring things out.
Dates: Starting October 7; Weekly every Wednesday for 6 weeks
- October 7, 21, 28
- November 4, 11, 18
*This group will not be running during Reading Week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 12:00 鈥� 1:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those interested in joining virtually will receive a zoom link*
Facilitators: Serena, Emily
A Woman's Story
This group is for women-identifying students to come together in friendship and solidarity - to honour our identities, challenge what diminishes our sense of self, and uplift one another. Through meaningful conversations and self-discovery activities, we鈥檒l explore our strength, celebrate our beauty, and nurture the power of women鈥檚 connection.
Dates: Starting October 8; Weekly every Thursday for 6 weeks
- October 8, 22, 29
- November 12, 19, 26
*This group will not be running during Reading Week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 3:00 鈥� 4:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those interested in joining virtually will receive a zoom link*
Facilitators: Gaurav
Man to Man
Being a man in today鈥檚 world means more than just 鈥渂eing strong.鈥� It鈥檚 about discovering confidence, building real connections, and staying true to who you are - especially when it comes to culture, identity, and your journey as a leader.
Man to Man is a weekly peer support group for university men to come together and grow. Whether you鈥檙e exploring your identity, stepping into leadership, or just looking to connect with other guys on a deeper level, this space is for you.
Dates: Starting October 5; Weekly every Monday for 6 weeks
- October 5, 19, 26
- November 2, 9, 16
*This group will not be running during Reading Week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 3:15 鈥� 4:15pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those interested in joining virtually will receive a zoom link*
Facilitators: Gaurav, Natalie
Mature Student Alliance
University can feel like a fresh start but it鈥檚 not always easy when you鈥檙e balancing classes with work, family, finances, or a career change to name a few. Mature Students Alliance is a peer support group created for mature students who are navigating university life a little differently.
Whether you're adjusting to being in intergenerational classrooms, rediscovering your voice on campus, building a new social circle, or just looking for people who get it鈥攖his space is for you.
Dates: Winter 2027
Times: To be Decided
Modality: To be Decided
Facilitators: To be Decided
Grad Student Group
This group is for graduate students who want to connect with other students with similar experiences.
Dates: Fridays; monthly; September, October, November, December; TBD
Times: 1:30 鈥� 3:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
Facilitators: Helia, Maham, Rowan
Underground Art Lounge
This series of interactive art sessions offers a fun and relaxing space to explore your artistic side and connect with others.
Whether you鈥檙e looking to unwind, express yourself creatively, or try something new, these sessions provide an opportunity to engage in experiential activities while fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Dates: Weekly every Tuesday & Friday; Starting October 6 and 9; On-going until end of Fall Semester 2026
*There will be no drop-in sessions in reading week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 3:00 鈥� 4:30pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
Facilitators: Rowan, Cass, Natalie, Helia, Maham
Weekly Wellness Drop-In
Need a place to unwind and recharge? Drop by our weekly wellness space -- a cozy, low stimulation space created for students to relax, reset, and take a break from the stress of campus life.
Whether you stay for 5 minutes or an hourm this space is for you.
Dates: Starting October 9; Weekly every Friday for 7 weeks
- October 9, 23, 30
- November 6, 13, 20, 27
*This group will not be running during reading week (Oct. 12 - Oct. 16)*
Times: 12:00 鈥� 1:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those who wish to join virtually will receive an online zoom link*
Facilitators: Maham, Rowan
Grow and Glow
In Partnership with Ontario Shores, join us for a workshop group that will help you build community, conquer stress, develop your skills, share experiences, and grow your self confidence.
Throughout this workshop, you will build a Self Development Booklet with activities and skills you learn from each session. By the end of the seven-week series you will have a package personalized to your own needs.
Dates: Starting October 22; Weekly every Thursday for 4 weeks
- October 22, 29
- November 5, 12
Times: 1:30 鈥� 2:30pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those who wish to join virtually will receive an online zoom link*
Facilitators: Helia, Maham
The You Project
Take time to reconnect with yourself in a warm, inclusive space for self-exploration, self-discovery, and community. In Partnership with Ontario Shores, this drop-in workshop series invites you to slow down, reflect, and simply be - without the pressure to have it all figured out or become someone different.
Through creative activities, reflection, conversation, and self-care practices, we鈥檒l explore what helps you feel grounded, supported, and empowered. You don鈥檛 need to earn your rest or prove your worth - you are whole and complete exactly as you are.
Dates: Starting October 19; Weekly every Monday for 4 weeks
- October 19, 26
- November 2, 9
Times: 1:00 鈥� 2:00pm
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
*Those who wish to join virtually will receive an online zoom link*
Facilitators: Emily, Natalie
Your Mindset Matters
In partnership with Ontario Shores, explore practical strategies for building resilience, gratitude, healthy habits, and stronger connections in a welcoming space. Discover tools that support your well-being and find what works best for you.
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Looking for ways to take care of your mental health, build supportive connections, and engage in a positive community? Our Active Peer Badge is for YOU!
(In partnership with 91看片网 Leadership)
What鈥檚 in it for you?
- Warm and Inviting Spaces 鈫� De-stress, share, and feel heard.
- New Friends & Community 鈫� Connect with others who understand and support you.
- Self-Care & Growth 鈫� Learn practical tips for mental wellness and self-care.
- Resume & LinkedIn Booster 鈫� Showcase your proactive engagement in mental health, leadership, and community-building as part of your student experience.
How to Earn It:
Join one of our peer support groups and attend at least 50% of the sessions in a series. You鈥檒l walk away with new skills, supportive connections, and your Active Peer Badge a recognition of your dedication to personal and community wellbeing.
Why It Matters:
Your badge highlights your growth, leadership, and commitment to supporting yourself and your community making it a valuable addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile. It shows future employers, grad schools, and other opportunities that you鈥檝e built community and wellbeing skills during your time at 91看片网. Badges will be distributed to students who qualify by the end of the Winter 2026 semester.