UNB takes pride in being able to provide a welcoming learning environment for its students. The transition to university is a time of change for many students and it's important to have proper support systems in place to ensure academic and personal success. UNB’s peer support services are strengthening the university community through students helping students, creative events and addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The UNB Fredericton Peer Support Centre offers non-judgmental and confidential one-on-one peer support to UNB students by trained peer volunteers. All volunteers have received comprehensive education on supportive listening and referral skills for a range of issues. The Peer Support Centre also offers a popular, weekly therapy dog program and interactive wellness projects throughout the year.
“When students are in distress they are most likely to turn to their peers for support,” says Dr. Rice Fuller, director of counselling services. “Having well-trained and highly motivated students working at the Peer Support Centre has significantly expanded mental health the mental health supports available on our campus, particularly for those students who might be reluctant to seek out the services of a counsellor.”
The UNB Peer Support Centre has trained 26 student volunteers and served more than 400 students through drop-in sessions and event programming between February and October 2017 alone.
UNB’s Saint John campus is in the third year of its #HERE4U Peer Support program. #HERE4U’s mission is to provide peer-based support to fellow UNB students.
The program was started by a group of six students whose goal is to bring awareness, provide support and build a healthy campus community. #HERE4U is open five days a week for drop-in sessions and regularly hosts outreach events.
The students have launched various initiatives over the years, including Elephant in the Room, a campaign which aims to address the stigma around mental health.
“Each of the peer support volunteers is trained in mental health first aid,” says Meredith Henry, counsellor and supervisor of #HERE4U. “These students are working to create a campus community that is positive and inclusive.”
