Because Your Wellness Matters to Us
The Peer Wellness program has been created to support the overall emotional health and wellbeing of students by providing access to Peer Wellness Specialists. The Peer Wellness Specialists promote mental health awareness by organizing events on campus, and also offer general support tailored to the unique needs of students. The Peer Wellness program is for students by students.
The Peer Wellness Specialists provide supportive listening and offer you support to address personal issues and general wellness concerns that may be interfering with your success and wellbeing as a student. In some cases, you may want or require more specialized, intensive, or longer-term support (i.e., to treat mental health disorders, substance abuse, etc.). The Peer Wellness Specialist can assist you in locating more specialized or more appropriate resources on campus or off-campus.
Reasons to Seek Support
No matter the reason, reach out to us to find support. Here are some suggested reasons to seek support from the Peer Wellness Program:
- Achieving work-life-school balance
- Adapting to a new environment, culture, learning style or city.
- Managing stress and worry
- Relationship concerns (friends, family, roommates)
- Feelings of isolation, loneliness or homesickness
- Developing healthy habits
- Wellness tips
- Much more!
Meet the Peer Wellness Specialists
Md Rifat Talukder
I’m from: Dhaka, Bangladesh
I speak : English, Bengali, Hindi
I’m currently in : Master’s program in Computational Science
My pronouns are: He/Him
About me:
I’m passionate about mental health and enjoy connecting with others to support their wellness journeys. I believe in creating open, respectful spaces both in-person and online where people can feel safe, supported, and heard. I’m especially committed to ensuring that our online presence is positive, safe, and free from harm.
In my downtime, you’ll usually find me lost in a good fiction book, chasing adventure on a hiking trail, or binge-watching some of my favorite shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
As a Wellness Specialist, I aim to create an inclusive, non-judgmental space where students feel empowered to take charge of their mental well-being.
Justin Hunt
I’m from: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
I speak : English
I’m currently in : BSc Psychology (4th year)
My pronouns are: He/Him
About me:
I’m an aspiring counselling psychologist who is always looking for ways to support and uplift others in both my work and personal life. I value community, connection, and collaboration, and do my best to promote these values without injuring myself in team sports like volleyball.
The pursuit of new experiences is also important to me and you’ll often find me breaking trail with a good audiobook and my loyal trail scout, Achilles. Once a dumpster puppy in Mexico City, Achilles has been rehabilitated with love, patience, and Canadian garbage.
I hold a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph and spent several years working in the sector. I’m happy to discuss my time in the field and share my experiences transitioning to a new career as a mature student.
Book an Appointment
You can book your appointment on my.laurentian.ca/book, email peerwellness@laurentian.ca or drop in our office on the third floor of the Parker Building, Room P-303.
Same-Day Individual Support
If you are experiencing a situation where you need support or guidance, we are available for drop-ins Monday to Friday, between the hours of 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm in our office on the third floor of the Parker Building, Room P-303.
Confidentiality
Your meeting with a Peer Wellness Specialist is a confidential service.