Peer Support Program

For the past eight years, peer support counsellors at MSVU have been offering understanding, advice, and a safe, confidential space to students who need a little extra support but who don’t need, or aren’t ready for, formal counselling. It’s a service provided by students for students.

“Peer support is free, informal and immediate,” says Maxine Brewer, Manager, Health Services, MSVU, and supervisor of the Peer Support Program. “The peer support workers have extensive training in various mental health issues and how to support students. They also know when to refer the student to more formal counselling.”

Students who use the support system say just having someone to talk to can often make all the difference when struggling with the stresses of university life. It also helps that the service is so easy to access: sessions are available virtually as well as on an informal drop-in basis. Since the program’s inception, the support offered has taken many forms, including one-on-one and group conversations, therapeutic colouring, homework assistance and even decorating cupcakes.

Sometimes that “someone” to talk to has a furry sympathetic ear. Meet Wendell, MSVU’s therapy dog. Wendell went through the St. John Ambulance therapy dog training and, along with providing a calm, loving, welcoming presence for students, he also has his own popular Instagram account (Wendell.msvu.therapydog).

Wendell has been instrumental in promoting the peer support counselling service and encouraging uptake. He is on campus regularly in the library to give cuddles to the MSVU community,

The program was initially established through the Stay Connected Mental Health Project (Capital Health), funded by Fred and Elizabeth Fountain. Today the program continues with funding from our President’s Fund. MSVU aims to give students all the tools they need to maximize their academic experience, including helping students deal with the emotional, psychological and social issues they may face while studying at the university. The journey through post-secondary studies can be both scary and exciting and we’re committed to connecting students with the tools and resources they need.