Peer Support
Sometimes you want to talk to someone with the same experience as you.
Come visit!
Need someone to talk to? Drop in weekdays to chat with trained student volunteers between the hours of 1 - 4 p.m. Our Peer Supporters are ready to listen to you and talk with you about your concerns. Everything you tell them is confidential, unless you’re at risk of harming yourself or someone else. Volunteers are supported by Student Wellness Services staff.
For fall 2024, Peer Support will run from Sept. 23 until Dec. 6 (peer support will not be available on dates that the university is closed and during fall break: Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Nov. 10-16).
For winter 2025, Peer Support will run from Jan. 13 until Apr. 10 (peer support will not be available on dates the university is closed and during winter break: Feb. 17-21).
Who can access peer support at Student Wellness Services?
Peer support is open to all current UCalgary students.
Why access Peer Support?
- To share your experiences and hear about other students’ experiences navigating university life, mental health, and personal concerns.
- Helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Volunteers can provide a listening ear if you're not ready to, or don’t want to share your concerns with your usual support system
- A safe place to ask questions about other mental health supports available on campus, or a great first step if you’re interested in accessing more support but not sure where to go!
Where is it located?
Peer support is a drop-in service and is located in Student Wellness Services (MSC 370, located on the 3rd floor of MacEwan Student Centre). When you enter through the main doors of Student Wellness Services, you will see signs for the peer support space to the right of the reception desk. You don't need to check-in with reception staff, simply go to the peer support space and our volunteers will meet you there, then will take you to our quieter peer support office.
Get in touch
Have questions about the Peer Support program? Reach out to Student Wellness Services Health Promotion & Outreach Team at communityhub@ucalgary.ca.
Interested in volunteering with us?
Please note that our volunteer team is full for fall 2024. We may have a few spaces open in winter 2024 and will begin a full recruitment cycle for fall 2025 in the spring. If you're interested in being informed when applications open for winter and spring 2025, please fill out this form.
Drop-in Peer support programs
Visit a drop-in peer support program where student volunteers can talk to you about issues, tell you about on- and off-campus services, or just spend some time listening to you vent.
Volunteers are trained in active listening and helping skills. Everything you tell them is confidential, unless you're at risk of harming yourself or someone else.
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Q Centre
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Wellness and Health Awareness Team
W.H.A.T. promotes health and wellness in the campus community by connecting students to support on campus to create healthy, sustainable lifestyles. As a student-led health outreach team, Committed to creating a healthier campus community, W.H.A.T. helps to organize health promotion events around campus, focusing on mental health, sexual health and addiction awareness.
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The UCRC is an inclusive, peer-driven space supporting all pathways to recovery, building community, and reducing addiction stigma on campus.
Weekly peer support meetings available.
Direct access services
Mental health support includes more than one-on-one counselling. Find the right service option for you.