Peer-Based Mental Health Support

Peer Support 

Mental Health Peer Support 

Peer Supporters are trained upper-year students who offer one-on-one mental health support. Peer Supporters have lived experience with mental health and understand the challenges of being a student. The Peer Support Program is confidential and open to all students. You can meet with a Peer Supporter during their drop-in office hours to discuss whatever is on your mind, whether that is stress, relationship issues, mental health, etc. Peer Supporters can help you learn resiliency and coping strategies as well as assist in finding other resources. 

Email: Peer.Support@smu.ca

Fall 2024 Drop-in Office Hours

*Hours start the week of September 16

Mondays | 3-5 p.m. in the Homburg Centre HC202C with Cedric

Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. in The Counselling Centre SC406 with Zoë

Wednesdays | 3-5 p.m. in the Homburg Centre HC202C with Cedric

Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. in Loyola Residence LR105 with Zoë

Cedric R., Peer Supporter (Athletics)

Cedric is from Peterborough, Ontario and is in his 5th year at Saint Mary’s University completing his Honours in Psychology while playing for the Men’s Varsity Hockey team. His current research interests primarily focus on athletes, and he has a particular interest in the roles of meditation, mindfulness, self-criticism, and self-compassion. Before coming to Saint Mary’s, Cedric spent four years playing in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm. Aside from sport, Cedric is part of a book club at the local Shambhala Centre, enjoys meditating and is currently learning how to play the violin.

Zoë M., Peer Supporter

Hi! My name is Zoë (she/her), and I am one of the Peer Supporters for the 2024-2025 terms! I am currently in the third year of my BA, and I am majoring in psychology as well as doing a minor in English. I have always been passionate about mental health advocacy and education, so doing more work in the field is super exciting- I’m looking forward to getting to know those who are interested in coming to the Peer Support office hours! A little more about me; I love reading and collecting books, crocheting, playing games, and being in nature while also being a homebody.

Wellness Ambassador

2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador  

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador hosts wellness-related programs for the Queer and Trans community at Saint Mary’s. Join them for the bi-weekly Queer Board Games Nights to meet others in the community! You can also chat one-on-one with them about your experiences, gender affirming care resources in the community, name change forms/processes and more. 

Email: 2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

Sage R., 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador

I’m Sage Rizcallah, the 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador in The Counselling Centre! I am a third-year psychology student at SMU, minoring in philosophy. I’m so excited to be involved within the community, and help students feel connected and inspired. I love hearing perspectives and life experiences of different people; we can all help each other understand a bit more about our world. Work aside, I’m a dancer and a trinket collector. You can always find me in the knick-knack section of thrift stores, making way too many impulse purchases on something “interesting”.