Peer Support
Peer Support
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Being a student can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, assignments, work, relationships, and everything else life throws your way, it’s a lot to manage.
That’s where Peer Support at Health Promotion Programs (HPP) comes in. Our trained student Peer Support Facilitators are here to listen, support, and help you navigate whatever’s on your mind because sometimes, talking to another student who gets it can make all the difference.
We offer:
One-to-One Peer Support → Prefer a private chat? You can book a session with one of our trained Peer Support Facilitators for a confidential, supportive conversation tailored to you. You can also drop in for One-to-One Peer Support on Tuesdays from 2-3 PM in POD 70 -- no registration required.
Peer Support Groups → Warm, welcoming spaces to connect, share, and learn from each other. Some groups are run in partnership with the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Science, so you’ll get the best of both worlds: student-led conversations with professional guidance. Bonus: When you participate in our groups, you can earn an Active Peer Badge to boost your resume and Linked-In. Learn more below.
Whether you’re new to TMU and looking to build healthy habits, or you’ve been managing tough emotions for a while, we’re here to help you feel less alone and maybe even make a few new friends along the way.
What to expect when you book?
One-to-one peer support is all about creating a warm, supportive space where you can share your story, talk through your feelings, and reflect on your experiences with someone who gets it. One-to-one chats take place either in a private room in POD 70 or online through a secure Google Meet link, whatever works best for you. Sessions are usually 45 minutes, but we can adjust the time to fit your needs.
What is a Peer Supporter?
Peer Supporters are fellow students who’ve been through their own challenges with academics, health and mental health, now use that experience to support others. They’re here to listen, relate, and help you feel more confident and connected. Through training in skills such as active listening, leading conversations, sharing their stories, and offering support with empathy, Peer Supporters create a warm space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered.
What’s the difference between peer support and counselling?
Peer Support, whether one-to-one or in a group, is here to offer a supportive, understanding, and validating space where shared lived experience is exchanged as a way to learn, grow and hold hope. Peer Support can be a gateway to connecting with other wellbeing supports such as counselling. While it can be a great place to talk things through, it's not the same as therapy or counselling, and isn't meant to replace professional mental health support.
If you're looking for support or treatment for mental health concerns, Peer Support Facilitators can help connect you with the right services at TMU or in the wider community.
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Earn Your Active Peer Badge!
Looking for ways to take care of your mental health, build supportive connections, and engage in a positive community? Our Active Peer Badge is for YOU!
(In partnership with TMU Leadership)
What’s in it for you?
- Warm and Inviting Spaces → 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 & LinkedIn Booster → Showcase your proactive engagement in mental health, leadership, and community-building as part of your student experience.
How to Earn It:
Join one of our peer support groups and attend at least 50% of the sessions in a series. You’ll walk away with new skills, supportive connections, and your Active Peer Badge a recognition of your dedication to personal and community wellbeing.
Why It Matters:
Your badge highlights your growth, leadership, and commitment to supporting yourself and your community making it a valuable addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile. It shows future employers, grad schools, and other opportunities that you’ve built community and wellbeing skills during your time at TMU. Badges will be distributed to students who qualify by the end of the Winter 2026 semester.
Peer-Led Support Group for Students with Disabilities (external link)
Looking for community, support, or just someone who gets it?
Academic Accommodation Support and Health Promotion Programs is starting a peer‑led support group for Students with Disabilities — and you’re invited.
If you’re registered with Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) or even just thinking about it, this space is for you. Connect with trained peers who have lived experience, swap tips, ask questions, and get support navigating school and accommodations.
What you’ll get:
• Real peer support from people who understand
• Info and resources to help you make the most of AAS
• Guidance on self‑advocacy and navigating academic systems
• A confidential, inclusive space where all disabilities are welcome
This group is designed to help you feel connected, confident, and supported — especially if accommodation has felt overwhelming, isolating, or confusing. Come as you are, drop in when you can, and build community with other TMU students.
Questions? Reach out to the AAS Student Advisory Committee at aas.sac@torontomu.ca.
You’re not alone — join a community that truly gets it.
Modality: In-person at POD 70F
Undergraduate Art Lounge
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’re 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!
- January 20: 12–2 PM
- Craft Your Doorway to a Creative Year
- February 10: 2–4 PM
- Knot Your Average Valentine - Bracelet Making
- March 18: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Pieces of Peace - Collaging
- April 1: 1–3 PM
- Tiny Desk Terrariums
Dates: Monday January 26, February 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6
Times: From 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Modality: In-person at JOR 06, located in the counselling centre.
Facilitators: Cassandra, Maddie
Divergent Minds: Autism & ADHD (external link)
Navigating life as a neurodivergent person can be overwhelming, especially when moving through a world that wasn’t built with us in mind. Join us in building a supportive community for fellow neurodivergent students with Autism and/or ADHD, where we can let down our masks and empower each other through the ups and downs of university and life beyond. Together we will explore topics such as the neurodivergent identity, self-advocacy, sensory processing, navigating relationships, and more. Both diagnosed and self-identifying students are welcome!
- Week 1: The Neurodivergent Identity & Finding Community
- Week 2: Sensory & Information Processing
- Week 3: Accessibility & Self-Advocacy
- Week 4: Thriving in Action Workshop
- Week 5: Navigating Transitions, Big or Small
- Week 6: Neurodivergent Representation in the Media
- Week 7: Activity Day (TBD)
- Week 8: Emotion Regulation & Burnout
- Week 9: Navigating Relationships
- Week 10: Speed Friending Event
Dates: Mondays, February 23 to March 30
Times: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Modality: Hybrid (In-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Clare, Serena
Self-Love Through Self-Care (external link)
University is a time of figuring out who you are but in the middle of all the deadlines and pressure, it’s easy to forget to care for the person at the center of it all: you.
Self Love through Self-Care is a peer support group in partnership with Ontario Shores, for students who want to slow down, check in with themselves, and build real self-love through everyday self-care.
You are your best investment. Let’s grow that love from the inside out.
Dates: Mondays, February 23 to March 30
Times: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Modality: Hybrid (In-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Geeta, Serena
Women's Group (external link)
This group is for women-identifying students to come together in friendship and solidarity — to honour our identities, challenge what diminishes our sense of self, and uplift one another. Through meaningful conversations and self-discovery activities, we’ll explore our strength, celebrate our beauty, and nurture the power of women’s connection.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 24 to March 31
Times: From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Modality: Hybrid (In-person & POD 70F)
Facilitators: Emil, Helia
Our Path to Personal Growth (ON Shores) (external link)
In partnership with Ontario Shores, this peer support group offers students a supportive environment to reconnect with themselves amid academic and personal stress. We focus on cultivating self-awareness, confidence, and purposeful growth - helping each other move forward with clarity, resilience, and intention.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 24 to March 31
Times: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Modality: Hybrid (In-person & POD 70F).
Facilitators: Emmie, Cassandra
(google form) Queer Community Circle (external link)
Being queer means so many different things and your journey is uniquely yours. Whether you're exploring your identity, navigating coming out, questioning relationship norms, or finding your place between family expectations and chosen family, Queer Community Circle is a space where you don’t have to explain, shrink, or hide who you are.No pressure to share just come as you are, and know you're not alone in figuring things out.