Peer Support at the FSC
Resuming in September 2024
What is Peer Support?
Whether you have cultural or religious concerns, or just need a listening ear, peer support at the Faith and Spirituality Centre is a confidential and safe way to talk to someone who understands what you're going through. Peer supporters are trained student volunteers that are knowledgeable about on- and off-campus resources that might suit your current experience. Everything you tell them is confidential unless you're at risk of harming yourself or someone else. Peer supporters are supported by Student Wellness Services.
How Do I Access Peer Support?
Peer Support is on pause until the Fall 2024 semester.
Reaching out for support can be difficult, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you. Just drop into the Faith and Spirituality Centre (MSC 487) during peer support hours and let the front desk staff know that you would like peer support.
Alternatively, send us an email at interfaith@ucalgary.ca if you would like to request a specific appointment time.
If you need immediate support outside of our hours, please contact:
- Student Wellness Services, MSC 370 or 403-210-9355
- Distress Centre, 403-266-4357 [Available 24/7]
- Wood’s Homes Community Support, 403-299-9699 [Available 24/7]
FAQs
Peer Support is 100% confidential except in the case of disclosed risk of self-harm or harm to another person.
Peer Support was created to give students the opportunity to talk about anything they want. You can talk about stress, expectations, loneliness, faith, lack of faith, anxiety, grief, trauma, grades, joyful events, etc.
All peer listeners undergo the community helpers training program before they are able to provide Peer Support. They are also encouraged to continuously receive additional mental health training.
No, Peer Support is available on a drop-in basis. Please email interfaith@ucalgary.ca if you would like to request a specific appointment time.
Peer listeners are trained to provide empathetic listening and referral resources to students who seek Peer Support. They are not counsellors and are therefore not qualified to provide the level of therapy that registered counsellors do.