Wellbeing Learning Hub
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.
Peer Support is described as emotional and practical support between two or more people who share a common lived experience. This can be the experience of a mental illness, mental health concern(s), or any other life event which has an impact on our overall wellbeing.
Click below to learn more about our peer support services:
What will my appointment 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, 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.
How can I get connected?
E-mail: Alvin Singh, Peer Support Specialist at alvin.singh@torontomu.ca
After successfully booking an appointment with Alvin, you can expect a follow-up email from him to confirm your preference for either an in-person or online meeting. On Mondays, he will offer virtual peer chats via the google meet. Your well-being is important to us, and we here to make your experience as comfortable and beneficial as possible.
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Co-Design
Co-produced with TMU students in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Date/time: Tuesdays at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM from May 21 to June 25
Modality: Virtual
Where: Online
What will we do?
Imagine having a say in how our peer support groups are shaped, from what topics they cover to how they're delivered. That's what codesign is all about! It's about students teaming up with peer support specialists to design support groups that speak directly to your needs and experiences as a student.
Whether it's dealing with stress, mental health, or just navigating the whole university life, these peer support groups are here for you, by you.
So, get involved! Join us and share your thoughts and experience on navigating life as a student to help make these support groups the best they can be. Let's build a campus community that's all about lifting each other up!
Campus Connection Corner
Date/Time: Wednesdays at 1:00- 2:00 PM from May 22 - June 26
Modality: Virtual Drop in group. New students are welcome at every session.
Where: Online ( Zoom Link to be posted closer to date)
Welcome to Campus Connection Corner – where fun meets connection! 🎉 Get ready to embark on a journey filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a dash of friendly competition. Here's a sneak peek into our upcoming sessions: Drop in at any session!
Topics:
🎮 Session 1: Virtual Game Night - Dive into the digital realm with Infinite Craft & Among Us! Can you crack the challenge and uncover the secret words? Show off your skills and share your screen for a chance to shine! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newbie, there's space for everyone. Let's play, laugh, and create unforgettable memories together!
🧠 Session 2: Online Trivia - Test your knowledge with pop culture and TMU-themed trivia! Kahoot or Quizziz, the choice is yours. Get those thinking caps on and prepare for a showdown of wits. With prizes up for grabs, it's time to show off your trivia prowess and claim the title of ultimate quiz champion!
🏙️ Session 3: Toronto Core/TMU Themed Bingo - Roll the virtual dice and mark your boards for an exciting game of Bingo! Explore the heart of Toronto and TMU culture with commuter and downtown living themes. Will luck be on your side? Let's find out as we shout "Bingo!" and celebrate together!
📝 Session 4: Creative Writing - Unleash your imagination and embark on a storytelling adventure! With captivating picture prompts as our guide, let's weave tales of wonder and intrigue. From epic sagas to whimsical anecdotes, let your creativity run wild and watch your stories come to life!
🌍 Session 5: Virtual Travel Bucket List Planning - Pack your virtual bags and join us on a journey across the globe! From the bustling streets of South America to the historic landmarks of Europe, let's dream big and plan our ultimate travel itineraries. Get ready for interactive fun as we guess the countries from breathtaking photos and share travel tales from our own backgrounds!
🎨 Session 6: Vision Boards & Virtual Photography Challenge - Let your dreams take flight with vision boards and virtual photography! Explore your aspirations, create stunning visuals, and share your vision for the future. With Jamboard and Canva at your fingertips, let's craft masterpieces and reflect on our Campus Connection Corner experiences.
Join us for laughter, learning, and limitless connections at Campus Connection Corner – where every session is an adventure waiting to unfold! See you there!
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A microcredential is digitally recorded recognition of a small, specific skill. Microcredentials are a unique and innovative way to learn skills in a short period of time that allow for finding learning experiences that align with professional goals and interests that can be used right away. All microcredentials are validated by industry or community partners.
Through the Wellness Learning Hub, there is the option to be recognized for the skills that individuals feel have been enhanced through engagement with the program. The individual self selects the skills from 20 options, provides a short reflection on how engagement has influenced these skills and, within 7-days, will receive a badge that is recognized by employers that can be added to a resume. Additionally, individuals have the opportunity to combine certain microcredentials to build them into higher order sets of skills that are more relevant to employers.
Our Peer Support Specialists:
Hello, I'm Alvin Singh (he/him), Peer Support Specialist at TMU. I began my journey by earning an Honours Psychology degree at York University and later completed an Addictions and Mental Health certificate program at Humber College. I am very excited to contribute to the growth of future TMU students. My experience from my peer work at CMHA, where I assisted individuals with substance issues, conducted psychoeducation sessions, soccer activity group for clients and facilitated groups on depression ,anxiety and recovery.
With over a year as a peer support worker at CMHA, I've come to appreciate the collaborative nature of peer support—sharing experiences and learning together. I prioritize empathy, creating a supportive and judgment-free environment where students feel understood. Having experienced the challenges of being a student, with struggles in grades, anxiety, and low self-esteem, I understand the importance of finding one's path. Psychology and mental health became my beacon of hope, reigniting my passion and guiding me to where I am today. I aspire to provide that same hope to TMU students.
In my personal life, you can find me enjoying new movies weekly. I’m a big fan of comic book characters from Marvel and DC. I am also a passionate Toronto sports fan, specifically supporting the Leafs and Blue Jays.I recognize that each student's journey is unique. If you're seeking someone who is approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to your well-being, I'm here for you.
My name is Malaika (she/her) and I am a Peer Support facilitator within TMU's Health Promotion Programs. I'm currently completing my bachelors of social work at TMU and will be providing peer support to current TMU students through my role.
Available for: Groups
My name is Mariha and I’m a 2nd year Business Management student majoring in Human Resources and minoring in Psychology. I’m working as a Peer Support Facilitator and I’m really excited to working with you all!
Available for: Groups