Wellbeing Learning Hub
Peer Support
Student life brings with it the demands of academics, relationships, work, and all other facets of your life which may impact your wellbeing. Whether you're just starting university and want to learn how to promote your mental wellbeing throughout your student experience, or you're a current student and have been experiencing challenging feelings, it's important to have a space to share, feel understood, and learn skills for life which will prepare you to navigate difficult times.
Student Integrated Health and Wellbeing offers both group and individual peer support to all 蘑菇传媒 students. You can expect supportive and caring environments to discuss your concerns in our groups, ran in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, as well as in individual appointments with our Peer Supporters.
Peer Support is described as emotional and practical support between two or more people who share a common lived experience. This can be the experience of a mental illness, mental health concern(s), or any other life event which has an impact on our overall wellbeing.
Click below to learn more about our peer support services:
What will my peer chat be like?
Students attending either individual or group peer support can expect a safe, empathetic environment where space is created for them to share stories, discuss emotions, and reflect on their lived experiences alongside a trained Peer Supporter. Individual peer support appointments are taken in the Centre for Student Development and Counselling or online through a secure Google Meets appointment. Appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes but can be adjusted to fit the student鈥檚 needs.
What is a Peer Supporter?
Peer Supporters use their lived experience navigating academic and mental health concerns to empower and assist others. This is often achieved through the use of interpersonal skills to help foster confidence, connection, and self-esteem. Peer Supporters receive training in areas such as building connection, facilitating discussion, and empowering others through empathy and advocacy.
What鈥檚 the difference between peer support and counselling?
Peer support services, both individual and group, are not meant to be clinical treatment for mental illness or mental health concerns more broadly. The work we do together is supportive and validating in nature, however, is not psychotherapy, counselling, or meant to replace psychotherapy or counselling.
If looking for clinical support or treatment for mental health concerns, Peer Supporters can connect you to appropriate services at 蘑菇传媒 or in the broader community.
How can I get connected?
E-mail: Alvin Singh, Peer Support Specialist at alvin.singh@torontomu.ca
After successfully booking a chat with Alvin, you can expect a follow-up email from him to confirm your preference for either an in-person or online meeting. On Friday's, he will offer virtual peer chats via the google meet. Your well-being is important to us, and we here to make your experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible feel free to have camera on or off as you see comfortable.
Women鈥檚 Peer Support Group
Dates: Mondays, January 27th to March 17th
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Weekly)
Modality: Hybrid
Our Women's Peer Support Group is a dedicated space where any female identifying student can connect, grow, and empower one another. Through heartfelt discussions and transformative sessions on building self-confidence, navigating imposter syndrome, cultivating healthy relationships, and setting boundaries, we focus on embracing the unique challenges and strengths of being a woman. With workshops and relaxing activities like movie nights and yoga retreats, we create a safe haven for women to nurture themselves, celebrate their journeys, and find the strength to thrive in all aspects of life.
Weekly Topics:
- January 27th (In Person): Mixer
- February 3rd (Hybrid): Self-Confidence/Imposter Syndrome
- February 10th (Hybrid): Healthy Relationships and Boundaries
- February 24th (Hybrid): Dealing with Stress and Burnout
- March 3rd (Hybrid): Body Image/Self Perception
- March 10th (In Person): Recreation Retreat (Yoga)
- March 17th (In Person): Movie Night (+Evaluation)
Undergrad Art Lounge
A Collaboration Between Health Promotion Programs and Student Success Navigators at 蘑菇传媒
Dates: Tuesdays, February 4th & 25th, March 18th, & April 1st
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Modality: In-person (Drop-in) at POD 71
Discover your creativity at the Undergrad Art Lounge! This series of interactive art sessions offers students a fun and relaxing space to explore their 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 hands-on activities while fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Join us for an afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and artistic expression in a welcoming, judgment-free environment!
Weekly Topics:
- February 4th: Collaging, Canvas & Making Valentines (Substances Week Launch)
- February 25th: DIY Snow Globes
- March 18th: Painting Your Own Spring Candles
- April 1st: Easter Egg Decorating (with a fun contest!)
Learning Helpful Habits
In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Dates: Wednesdays from January 29th to March 5th, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Weekly, no group during Reading Week)
Modality: Virtual Group. New students are welcome at every session
Where: Join Zoom Meeting
Building positive habits can be challenging, but you don鈥檛 have to do it alone.
Whether you鈥檙e aiming to set new routines, shake off old habits, or just want to hang out with supportive folks with their own lived experiences, Learning Helpful Habits is here for you. Dive into honest talks about goal setting, share your wins, get advice, and celebrate your journey with like-minded folks.
This group has been designed based on feedback from your peers as to what is relevant to the current student experience. We welcome those who have taken this course before and newcomers alike!
Weekly Topics:
- January 29th: Building Habits
- February 5th: Stress Management
- February 12th: Self-Criticism
- February 26th: Boundaries
- March 5th: Burnout
Discovering Our Personal Growth
In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Dates: Wednesdays, January 29th, February 5th, 12th, & 26th, & March 5th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Modality: In-person (Drop-in) at POD50-B
Discovering Our Personal Growth is a supportive space designed to help students explore, reflect, and grow both personally and academically. Each session focuses on practical strategies and meaningful discussions to empower participants in managing stress, building resilience, recognizing burnout, and fostering self-confidence. Through guided activities, open dialogue, and creative expression, this group provides tools and resources to navigate challenges and embrace personal development.
Weekly Topics:
- January 29th: Managing Stress
- February 5th: Self Advocacy
- February 12th: Recognizing Burnout
- February 26th: Recovering From Burnout
- March 5th: Building Your Best Self
Men鈥檚 Peer Support Group
Dates: Thursdays, January 30th to March 20th
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Modality: In-person at POD50-B
Our Men's Peer Support Group is a welcoming and supportive space for men and male-identifying individuals to explore personal growth, build connections, and redefine what it means to be a man in today's world. Each week, we delve into a different theme through thoughtful discussions and interactive sessions. Topics include the impact of social media on identity, understanding and expressing emotions, navigating relationships, and embracing self-care as a courageous act.
The group starts with a Social Mixer to set expectations and foster a sense of community, followed by engaging conversations on relevant topics. This is a space where participants can share experiences, learn from others, and support one another on their journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.
Weekly Topics:
- January 30th: Social Mixer
- February 6th: Social Media & Identity
- February 13th: Understanding Our Emotions
- February 27th: Navigating Dating & Relationships
- March 6th: Recreation Retreat
- March 13th: Courage and Self-Care
- March 20th: Movie, Evaluation & Chill
Date/time: Wednesdays at 1:00 - 4:00 PM on January 29, March 12 & April 2nd.
Modality: In-person drop in group. New students are welcome at every session
Where: DCC 7TH Floor
GRAD Art Hive is a collaboration with the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (YSGPS) (opens in new window) and Health Promotion Programs (opens in new window) at 蘑菇传媒. GRAD Art Hive is a space just for graduate students and postdocs to recharge, rest and reflect with their peers through creative activities. Peer support facilitators will be on hand to facilitate open dialogue on graduate wellbeing and managing the unique stressors faced by the graduate community.
Session 1: Vision Boards
Session 2: Paper Flower Making
Session 3: Open Studio
Earn Your Active Peer Badge! 馃専
Are you looking for ways to take care of your mental health, build supportive connections, and engage in a positive community? The Active Peer Badge is for YOU! In partnership with 蘑菇传媒 Leadership
By participating in a variety of peer support groups at 蘑菇传媒鈥攕uch as Learning Helpful Habits, Empowerment in Self Care, Campus Connection Corner, Queer Community Circle, or Black-Identifying Peer Support Group鈥攜ou can earn this badge while taking care of your personal well-being.
馃挰 What鈥檚 in it for you?
- Safe Spaces to de-stress, share, and feel heard.
- New Friends & Community鈥攃onnect with others who understand and support you.
- Self-Care & Growth鈥攍earn practical tips for mental wellness and self-care.
- Resume Booster鈥攕howcase your proactive engagement in mental health and community-building efforts.
鉁� How to Earn It:
Attend at least 50% of the sessions in a peer group series. You鈥檒l walk away with new skills, connections, and an Active Peer Badge to recognize your dedication to personal and community wellbeing!
Join us and get involved! This badge is your chance to grow, connect, and make a difference for both yourself and your community.
Ready to get started?
Sign up for one of our peer support groups and begin your journey!
Badges will be distributed to students who qualify by the end of the Winter Semester 2025
Our Peer Support Team:
Hello, I'm Alvin Singh (he/him), Peer Support Specialist at 蘑菇传媒. I began my journey by earning an Honours Psychology degree at York University and later completed an Addictions and Mental Health certificate program at Humber College. I am very excited to contribute to the growth of future 蘑菇传媒 students. My experience from my peer work at CMHA, where I assisted individuals with substance issues, conducted psychoeducation sessions, soccer activity group for clients and facilitated groups on depression ,anxiety and recovery.
With over a year as a peer support worker at CMHA, I've come to appreciate the collaborative nature of peer support鈥攕haring experiences and learning together. I prioritize empathy, creating a supportive and judgment-free environment where students feel understood. Having experienced the challenges of being a student, with struggles in grades, anxiety, and low self-esteem, I understand the importance of finding one's path. Psychology and mental health became my beacon of hope, reigniting my passion and guiding me to where I am today. I aspire to provide that same hope to 蘑菇传媒 students.
In my personal life, you can find me enjoying new movies weekly. I鈥檓 a big fan of comic book characters from Marvel and DC. I am also a passionate Toronto sports fan, specifically supporting the Leafs and Blue Jays.I recognize that each student's journey is unique. If you're seeking someone who is approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to your well-being, I'm here for you.
My name is Malaika (she/her) and I am a Peer Support facilitator within 蘑菇传媒's Health Promotion Programs. I'm currently completing my bachelors of social work at 蘑菇传媒 and will be providing peer support to current 蘑菇传媒 students through my role.
Available for: Groups
My name is Shereny (she/her) and I am a Peer Support Facilitator within 蘑菇传媒鈥檚 Health Promotions Programs. I鈥檓 currently completing my Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management majoring in Global Management at 蘑菇传媒 and will be providing peer support to current 蘑菇传媒 students in my position.
Available for: Groups