Launching later this month, the College’s new Peer Wellness Program will provide opportunities for students to engage with trained Wellness Peers in relaxed, supportive conversations around common student challenges and wellness concerns, such as loneliness and stress. Wellness Peers are student staff who are trained to provide active listening, empathy, peer support, and campus and community referrals. The program will provide 10 hours per week of drop-in support at each campus.

Funding for the two-year pilot program was generously provided through a $38,000 contribution from Wise Guys Charity Fund, and a $40,000 contribution from the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).

The Peer Wellness program is supervised by a mental health clinician, and complements a suite of programs and services offered by Niagara College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services department that serve the diverse wellness needs of NC students.

Along with the launch of the new program, NCSAC will also celebrate the opening of renovated Wellness Lounges at both campuses, which will be home to the new program. The Lounges, formerly activity rooms, have been updated with comfortable furniture and décor meant to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for students.