Frequently Asked Questions

Some students may find it easy to connect with a peer, and may find the drop-in service to be more accessible and less intimidating than more formal services on campus.

When is the best time to connect with the PSC?

You will find a volunteer at the PSC at all times during our hours of Noon-10:00pm. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours long, beginning at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, and 8:00 PM. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may speak with one volunteer, or have the option to continue speaking with the next arriving volunteer. This depends on what you are most comfortable with.

Do I have to schedule an appointment?

No. Our drop-in service operates on a first come, first serve basis.

Can I request to speak to the same volunteer again?

No. In order to protect the anonymity of our volunteers and to help maintain confidentiality, we do not allow this request.

What if I know the volunteer when I drop-in to the Peer Support Centre?

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.

What if I see the volunteer who I had met with on-campus?

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.

What happens if when I arrive the door is closed and a session is already in progress?

If you arrive and the door is closed and the sign says that a session is already in progress, you have two options: you may choose to have a seat outside of the Centre and wait, or you may choose to leave and come back at a later time.

How long will a session be?

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.

What is a ‘confidentiality agreement?

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.