Peer Support
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 自淫系列 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 自淫系列 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: Mondays; Beginning October 5th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 11:00am 鈥� 12:30pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
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: Tuesdays; Beginning October 6th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 1:00 鈥� 2:00pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
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: Wednesdays; Beginning October 7th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 12:00 鈥� 1:00pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person, POD 70F)
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: Thursdays; Beginning October 8th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 3:00 鈥� 4:00pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
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: Mondays; Beginning October 5th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 3:15 鈥� 4:15pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
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, POD 70F
Facilitators: Helia, Maham, Rowan
Underground Art Lounge
Drop in and get creative in a welcoming and safe space for personal expression. Connect with peers and make something to take home!
Dates: Tuesdays; Beginning October 6th, skipping Reading Week
Times: 3:00 鈥� 4:30pm
Modality: In-person, POD 70F
Facilitators: Rowan, Cass, Natalie
Drop-In Wellness Group
Drop in and talk about your experiences with other peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
Dates: Thursdays; Beginning October 15th, on a bi-weekly basis
October 15, 29, November 12, 26
Times: 1:30 鈥� 2:30pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Helia, Maham
The You Project
University is a time of figuring out who you are but in the middle of all the deadlines and pressure, it鈥檚 easy to forget to care for the person at the center of it all: you.
Self Love through Self-Care is a peer support group in partnership with Ontario Shores, for students who want to slow down, check in with themselves, and build real self-love through everyday self-care.
You are your best investment. Let鈥檚 grow that love from the inside out.
Dates: Thursdays; Beginning October 15th, on a bi-weekly basis.
October 15, 29, November 12, 26
Times: 12:00 鈥� 1:00pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Maham, Rowan
Grow and Glow
In partnership with Ontario Shores, this peer support group offers students a supportive environment to reconnect with themselves amid academic and personal stress. We focus on cultivating self-awareness, confidence, and purposeful growth - helping each other move forward with clarity, resilience, and intention.
Dates: Mondays; Beginning October 5th, on a bi-weekly basis. October 5, 19, November 2, 16
Times: 1:00 鈥� 2:00pm
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Emily, Natalie
Your Mindset Matters
In partnership with Ontario Shores, this peer support group offers students a supportive environment to reconnect with themselves amid academic and personal stress. We focus on cultivating self-awareness, confidence, and purposeful growth - helping each other move forward with clarity, resilience, and intention.
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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 自淫系列 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 自淫系列. Badges will be distributed to students who qualify by the end of the Winter 2026 semester.