Peer Support
There are many ways to access peer support on campus, such as exploring UTM clubs, attending UTM Department events and experiencing student driven programs. You can also check out Health & Counselling Centre’s very own Peers Supporting Peers (PSP) program below.
You can choose how you wish to receive support. You can:
- connect 1-on-1 with a Mentor.
- attend a drop-in session at the Wellness Den.
- register for a Peer-facilitated workshop... the choice is yours!
What is Peers Supporting Peers?
The Peers Supporting Peers (PSP) Program is a peer support program, which receives oversight, training support, and supervision from UTM Health & Counselling Centre staff. The program aims to provide students with the following outcomes to help them achieve their personal and academic goals:
- Individualized strategies (e.g., healthy lifestyle tips, academic skills),
- Knowledge of community resources, and
- Personal support (empathy, active listening)
The program emphasizes the strengths of the shared, peer-to-peer experience of students; and aims to provide support that complements, but does not replace, professional interventions.
The PSP program runs between September and April each year.
The PSP Program runs along 3 streams:
Stream 1: One-on-one Peer Mentorship
Upper-year undergraduate and graduate UTM Peer Mentors are matched on a one-on-one basis with lower-year UTM Mentees, based on similar interests, programs of study, and/or other relevant characteristics.
Peer mentors aim to meet with their mentees once a week, over the course of 6 to 8 weeks in the semester. Meetings are expected to last approximately one hour and can take place in-person or virtually via Zoom.
Each meeting will focus on a wellness-themed learning module. Through the program, mentees will be able to gain individualized strategies (e.g., healthy lifestyle tips, academic skills), knowledge of community resources, and receive personal support (empathy, active listening) to help them achieve their personal and academic goals.
Stream 2: Weekly Drop-in Peer Support
Peer Mentors offer weekly drop-in peer support on Wednesdays from 11:30pm - 1:00pm at the Wellness Den (DV 2207). Registration is not required.
Stream 3: Peer-facilitated Workshops
The PSP Program offers Peer-Facilitated Workshops, which are open to all UTM students. Students can simply attend to listen and learn, or to connect 1:1 with a Mentor…. the choice is yours!
For more information about our upcoming workshops, check out our schedule and registration details.
Interested in supporting peers?
Mentor applications for One-on-one Peer Mentorship (Stream 1) are accepted between August - October for the Fall term, and between November - February for the Winter term.
Forge meaningful connections with students by providing 1-1 mentorship and guiding mentees towards personal and academic success.
Offer peer support on a weekly basis at our Wellness Den.
Facilitate monthly wellness workshops at our Wellness Den and respond to other wellness-based workshops from partners as needed.
Please check out our Student Opportunities to read more about becoming a PSP Mentor!
Interested in peer support?
To apply to be a Mentee, please submit an application form.
A staff member from the Health & Counselling Centre will be in touch subsequently to discuss next steps. If you need assitance, please contact the clinic at health.utm@utoronto.ca.
Note: Mentors are selected between August - October for the Fall term, and between November - February for the Winter term to participate in Stream 1: One-on-One Peer Mentorship. Students can access Stream 2 and 3 peer support at any time.
Questions?
For questions or concerns about the PSP Program, please contact:
- Dayana Wolski, Health Promotion Nurse, Health & Counselling Centre | dayana.wolski@utoronto.ca
Judy Duff, Health Promotion Nurse, Health & Counselling Centre | j.duff@utoronto.ca
