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3 Reasons to Visit STU Peer Support Centre

Shannon Blackmore ,

Anyone enrolled in University can tell you how stressful it gets at times. Whether or not you struggle with mental health issues, it is important to immerse yourself within your campus community. This can be done by getting involved with committees on campus, or simply by chatting with your peers. For students at St. Thomas University, unloading your stress and connecting with other STUdents can be done by stopping by the STU Peer Support Centre.

The Peer Support Centre is located in James Dunn Hall room 212, and is open Monday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm, and is run by volunteers who are dedicated to positive mental wellness.

If you haven’t already been convinced, we’re here to give you 3 Reasons to stop by the STU Peer Support Centre.

Signs advertising the STU Peer Support Centre are posted on bulletin boards around campus. Photo by Shannon Blackmore

Reason #1: Friendly, trained, and dedicated volunteers

As mentioned above, the STU Peer Support Centre is driven by student volunteers. These volunteers are friendly, helpful, and have experienced several different types of in-service training in confidentiality, listening, and leadership skills.

The volunteers are passionate about helping fellow students with any issues they may be having throughout their time at STU. This means that conversations had with those in the centre will be confidential and friendly. It also provides a great opportunity for students to de-stress.

Pictured: Lauren McWilliams, Student volunteer at STU Peer Support Centre interacting with student in confidential room. Photo by Shannon Blackmore

Reason #2: Free snacks and beverages! 

While the support centre provides companionship and the opportunity to relax, there are also free snacks and beverages available to all students. Whether you’re passing by the centre, or stopping in to chat, you can grab a study snack, free of charge!

This is always a great resource for those who are studying in JDH during the later hours of the evening when campus cafés are closed, and a great resource for those who are looking to relax and get comfortable within the centre.

 

Reason #3: An extra-confidential space to chat

There really is no surprise that such an inviting space provides an additional confidential space for more private conversations. If you or your friends are feeling like you need more privacy within the centre, you and your Peer Support mentor can head into an additional room to chat. The room is decked out with comfortable seating, a salt lamp for ultimate relaxation, and free stress toys to play with.

The room can be accessed at any time during the hours of operation, and for any reason. Confidentiality is the most important value of the Peer Support Centre, and there is no point where your personal privacy will be violated. The extra confidential space exists for STUdents to feel most comfortable in their surroundings. Confidentiality is key.

Decor throughout the additional confidential room is tranquil and cozy. Photo by Shannon Blackmore

And there you have it, 3 reasons to stop by STU’s Peer Support Centre. The space exists solely for student volunteers to listen and provide their peers with support during any times of stress or turmoil in their university career. It is also important that students know that they can visit the centre for any reason whatsoever, whether it be to rant, or just to have a conversation with individuals who care about their wellbeing.

 

The hours of operation for STU’s Peer Support Centre are Monday to Friday from 7pm to 9pm, on a drop in basis. We hope to see you soon!