Peer Support
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 TMU 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.
How can I get connected?
After successfully booking a chat with our peer support specialists, you can expect a follow-up email confirm your preference for either an in-person or online meeting. 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.
Alvin Singh (he/him)
Alvin is available virtually and in person.
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’s 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, sharing experiences and empowering others through empathy and advocacy.
What’s 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 TMU or in the broader community.
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Earn Your Active Peer Badge! 🌟
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 TMU Leadership
💬 What’s in it for you?
- Safe Spaces to de-stress, share, and feel heard.
- New Friends & Community—connect with others who understand and support you.
- Self-Care & Growth—learn practical tips for mental wellness and self-care.
- Resume Booster—showcase your proactive engagement in mental health and community-building efforts.
✨ How to Earn It:
By joining our peer groups and attending at least 50% of the sessions in a peer group series. You’ll 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
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Dates: Wednesdays, Wednesday May 21 to June 25, 2025 from Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Weekly) - Modality: Virtually
Co-Design with HPP & ON Shores (external link, opens in new window)
We are inviting students who have ideas on how support groups should look, feel, and function to co-create with us. HPP is teaming up with Ontario Shores to bring you a unique co-design opportunity to students. They will collaborate with our Peer Support Specialists and fellow students to create peer support groups that truly reflect their needs—from the wellbeing topics to explore, to how sessions are delivered, and even what they’re called. Student voice matters! Let's build something meaning! An honorarium will be granted to students who participate in at least 50% of the sessions as a thank-you for your time and contributions. Students can sign up here (external link, opens in new window) .
