Well-being Peer Helper Program

If you’re interested in volunteering at the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre, please email swccwellness@mun.ca to see how to get involved! There will be training and required forms before you start your well-being peer helper role. Please read below for important information about our program.

What is it?

The Well-being Peer Helper Program is an initiative of the Wellness Program at the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre (SWCC). The program is directed by the Wellness Lead at the SWCC. The Well-being Peer Helper Program is a way for students to volunteer with the University while helping, educating, and interacting with fellow students.

The peer helper program strives to provide the following:
● Direct information services to all students
● Positive role models for members of Memorial University
● Grant students with the knowledge and information needed to make informed decisions
● Learning experiences where all students can develop valuable life skills
● Maximize opportunities for positive peer interactions
● Educate students on important wellness topics

Peer helpers must have the ability to characterize the following qualities:
● Open to expanding their interpersonal and communication skills
● Leadership skills
● Enjoy socializing with others
● Motivation
● Positive mind set
● Enjoy sharing their knowledge with others
● Positive role model
● Empathy
● Honesty

What do we do?

Volunteers of the Peer Helper Program will have the opportunity to play an active role in events offered by the SWCC and resources supported by Memorial University such as, but not limited to:

1. MUN listeners: become a listener and help members of the Memorial Community who would like to chat with someone online. It is important to note that this is a judgement free space, and all conversations are to be kept confidential. Webpage: https://www.7cups.com/p/mun/
● To speak with a listener, use the password: mun_portal
● To become an active listener, use the password: mun_listener

*Please note: students can volunteer with MUN Listeners WITHOUT being a part of our Well-being Peer Helper Program*

2. Oasis: help prepare for and attend our weekly Oasis events. The Oasis is a joint healthy campus initiative between the SWCC and Student Support-Student Life. This is an activity session where students can take part in activities such as green mindfulness (plants), pet therapy, painting, popcorn and Pastors, and much more. The Oasis takes place on the 3rd floor of the University Centre most Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm. It will be located in the open space at the end of the food court which leads to the entrance of the new Core Science Building.

3. Virtual Tea Time: help prepare/present a wellness session that takes place every Friday via Webex. Here we talk about all things wellness and have a discussion with participants.

4. Wellness Videos: compose creative videos on various wellness topics to help educate and provide tips to members of the University. Examples include managing worry and anxiety during COVID-19, goal setting, practicing mindfulness…the topics are endless. Visit our webpage for videos that students have created in the past.

5. Wellness Learning Sessions: help educate members of our University Community on their overall well-being. This will include delivering a presentation on a topic (ex, stress management) to a group of students. This may be in person or via an online platform.

6. Attend Weekly Meetings: you will be responsible for joining weekly meetings (if it fits into your schedule) every Monday at 11:00am to discuss upcoming events. These meetings may be in person or via an online platform.

How do I become a Peer Helper?

To ensure that all volunteers are capable and prepared to become a Peer Helper, the following must be completed:
● Complete the required application form and send to swccwellness@mun.ca
● Complete the PHIA training online by following the step by step instructions
● Review and become familiar with resources that we encourage students to use
● Review our peer helper manual- this will be done at our office on the 5th floor of the UC (UC 5033)
● Attend an in-person peer helper training session which will be scheduled for this semester (Fall 2021)