Welcome to the Peer Support Program! We are a group of students who have been trained in supportive counselling skills and experiences with mental health. We facilitate peer-to-peer drop-in groups where fellow students can come and discuss a variety of topics, including mental health, family and relationship dynamics, and academic experiences. We also have our own lived experiences with mental health and so when student come and speak with us, they can be assured they are talking with someone who will be able to relate to their experiences as well.
Please Note: Our Peer Supporters offer a Peer-To-Peer Drop Tuesdays and Thursday from 3-4:30pm. Sign up on CLNx
WHO MIGHT ATTEND A PEER SUPPORT DROP IN?
WHAT DOES OUR PEER-TO-PEER DROP-IN GROUP LOOK LIKE?
Our Peer-To-Peer Drop-In have two trained peer supporters that facilitate a group space for other students seeking support and understanding.
Our groups have the following components:
HOW DOES PEER SUPPORT HELP?
Students attending a Peer-To-Peer Drop In group could expect to learn about:
MEET OUR PEER SUPPORTERS!
Our peer support team has 8 wonderful peer support students who organize and facilitate the peer support drop-in groups. Our peers, who are fellow students at UTSC, have done extensive training with Hope & Me (previously Mood Disorders Association of Ontario) and the wellness peer programs at Health & Wellness in addition to their own lived experiences of mental health and academic challenges. Further, our peers participate in bi-weekly community of practice meetings in order to support each other as they create a welcoming and caring community space for fellow students.
GETTING CONNECTED TO THE PEER SUPPORT TEAM
* Please Note: This program runs during the Fall/Winter Semesters.
If you are interested in connecting with our peers at a peer support drop-in group, please email health.utsc@utoronto.ca . We will have a member of the peer support team connect with you and get you registered for the drop-in groups, so you are welcome to attend any time!
University of Toronto Scarborough Campus is partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences to launch a Recovery College at your school. A Recovery College is a unique mental health and well-being learning centre where people with lived experiences of navigating wellness through the post-secondary experience, mental health professionals, and peers come together to co-create courses on topics that support mental health and well-being. The courses being offered in the Recovery College at UTSC have been developed in collaboration with students from your school! Through structured curriculum, guided discussions, and activities, Recovery Colleges offer the opportunity to empower yourself in the pursuit of well-being. The goal of this programming is to support you in living a purposeful and meaningful life. Please see details for Recovery College offerings below. For more information and/or to register for either or both courses, please email Peer Support Specialist, Holly Harris, at harrish@ontarioshores.ca.
Date: Thursdays from 3:00-4:30 p.m. from January 27th to March 3rd
What will we do?
You are a constant in your own life. This means that dedicating time to building a healthy and happy relationship with yourself is a worthwhile investment. In this course, through semi-structured curriculum, guided discussions, and activities, we will take a look inwards to gain a deeper sense of understanding and compassion for our experiences. We will learn from ourselves and each other about ways we can leverage our authentic self to live a purposeful and meaningful life.
This course has been updated based on feedback from your peers to be increasingly relevant to the current experiences of students. We welcome those who have taken this course before and newcomers alike!
What will you learn?
Date: Mondays from 3:00-4:00 p.m. from March 7th to April 11th
What will we do?
Resilience is when we are able bounce back from difficulties and stay true to ourselves and our goals. Throughout this group, we will engage in curriculum, activities, and discussions related to coping with life’s stressors and highlight our strengths to better equip us adapt to challenging situations. In this course, we will realise that although adversity is inherent in the human experience, we are not powerless and we are not alone.
What will we learn?
Date: Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. from March 2nd to April 6th
What will we do?
As students, we are expected to know things we are never taught. This discrepancy can be distressing and uncomfortable. Through semi-structured curriculum, guided discussions, and activities, we will explore life skills and how to apply them in ways that are helpful for you and your needs. In this course we will learn how to navigate adulthood and have the opportunity to connect with others to form ongoing meaningful relationships.
What will you learn?