What we do
The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is comprised of 100+ dedicated trained volunteers and paid staff. The PSC provides all AMS undergraduate students with confidential, non-judgmental, empathetic, peer-based support, including resource referrals and practical assistance on a drop-in basis.
The PSC adheres to five main values: safety, confidentiality, accessibility, empathy, and community. Aligning with these values, the PSC works to contribute to the development of a supportive, and inclusive campus environment with both the work done within the Centre and outside of the Centre through outreach and marketing campaigns. The PSC aims to continue facilitating awareness among the student body of the personal, health and wellness, social, and academic resources that exist.
The PSC is not a substitute for professional support and services, instead we aim to encourage members of the Queen’s community to engage in help-seeking behaviours when facing adversity.
Comprised of 100+ dedicated trained volunteers
Dedicated and provide welcoming, confidential, non-judgmental and empathetic peer-based support
Hours
Closed until further notice due to the current COVID-19 pandemic
Location
Room 26 & 34 on the lower floor of the John Deutsch University Centre (99 University Avenue, Kingston, Ontario)
COVID-19 Updates
The PSC team is working tirelessly to brainstorm new ways to continue supporting the Queen’s community. We are working to find new ways to continue being there for you, because no problem is too big or too small.
If you believe you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can visit the following website to conduct a self-assessment, in addition to determining next steps to take. The site also has information on stopping the spread of the virus, the status of cases in Ontario, as well as mental health resources https://covid-19.ontario.ca .
Queen’s University has also responded with efforts to support students during this time. Visit the following site to find more information on how students will be affected regarding issues related to academics, travel, events and gatherings, services, and more https://www.queensu.ca/covidinfo/home .
NEW: The PSC x CARED Initiative!
PSC x CARED is a new initiative on-campus aimed to provide peer-to-peer support for self-identified BIPOC students (Black/Indigenous/Persons of Colour) on-campus through a multitude of methods between the PSC and the Committee Against Racial and Ethnic Discrimination (CARED). The includes, but is not limited to, designated peer support sessions/consultations for racialized students, and referrals to specific on-campus resources.
- Stress
- Academic grievances
- Financial assistance
- Oppression/discrimination
- Sexual assault
- Mental health
- And more
Need support now?
As of September 1, 2019, all Queen's students have access to Empower Me! - A multi-lingual confidential and professional counselling service, free-of-charge. Visit myams.org for more information.
Our Values
We respect your right to privacy. For this reason, our volunteers are bound to a confidentiality contract that limits them from sharing any information discussed during a session to other volunteers or peers outside of the Peer Support Centre. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to us.
Whatever is on your mind, we believe that it is valid and worth talking about. we strive to create a safe space that is inclusive to all students and to all experiences.
All volunteers are dedicated to providing empathetic support to all peers who choose to share their own personal challenges and experiences.
Maintaining a positive relationship with the Queen’s and Kingston community is important to us. Through outreach initiatives and collaborations with external groups on campus, we strive to contribute to a sense of community and belonging amongst all Queen’s undergraduate students.
Meet our Management Team
Andie Rexdiemer
Head Manager
Laine Ingratta
Outreach Manager
Rahul Patel
Marketing Manager
Meet our Supervisors
Peter Mendolia
Gwynn Magnan
Prishni Seyone
Sam Connolly
Anika Chowdhury
John Mamatis
Reem Toubache
Andrew Leung
You will find a volunteer at the PSC at all times during our hours of 10:00am-10:00pm.
No. Our drop-in service operates on a first come, first serve basis.
No. In order to protect the anonymity of our volunteers and to help maintain confidentiality, we do not allow this request.
All information shared at the Peer Support Centre is confidential. A volunteer will never address your visit or issues shared outside of your visit. However, if you are uncomfortable speaking with someone you know, you are welcome to visit our other Centre (located next door) if it is open or you can also come back at another time.
Your visit to the Peer Support Centre is confidential. This means that outside of the Centre, a volunteer will not address your visit or issues shared. If you see a volunteer on-campus, you are welcome to smile or say hello, or choose not to say anything. We will follow your lead and whatever you are comfortable with.
If you arrive and the door is closed and the sign says
Session In Progress –
You may choose to have a seat outside of the Centre and wait for a volunteer to be available or you can come back later
Closed – This means that it is outside of our 10 am – 10 pm operating hours.
Note: If it is an emergency, you should seek help as necessary by calling Campus Security (533-6111) or 911. You can also contact Empower Me!
at 1-844-741-6389
The duration of a session is up to you. A session can range from two minutes to several hours, depending on what suits your needs best. We are open 7 days a week, from 10:00am to 10:00pm, but if sessions run beyond one volunteer’s shift period, a new volunteer may finish off the rest of the session with you.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. This agreement outlines that all information disclosed to the volunteer during and after a session will be kept private. For the safety of yourself and others, the confidentiality agreement also states any circumstances when the confidentiality agreement may be breached.
Campaigns
Merchandise
Self-Care Calendar
We value that students take the time to self-care, especially when life is busy to the point where we tend to forget about our own well-being.
Self-care is done when you take an active role in promoting your own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
We value accessibility and one way we are upholding this value is by providing students with a free and downloadable self-care calendar – a template to schedule in self-care as needed.
Get Involved
Organizations
Students
Hiring
Staff and volunteer positions are now closed! Please visit this section for more information around January.
Submit Art
You can submit paintings, graphics, drawings, or whatever you can come up with that supports what we do.