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As we get back into the swing of classes and student life, it’s great to know you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sometimes, the best support doesn’t come from a single person, but from a community resource like the Peer Support Centre (PSC) at Wyckham House!

To spill the tea about everything the PSC has to offer students on campus this year, including its new after-hours program, hosted in the space by MRU, we sat down with SAMRU’s Support Services Coordinator, Sydnie Bourassa, in the newly expanded centre.

Keep reading to learn more about Sydnie, including her history with the Students’ Association and how the PSC has helped keep students safe, secure, and fed on campus this year.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Sydnie Bourassa. I am the Support Services Coordinator, and I have worked for SAMRU for two years!

What is the Peer Support Centre and what do you do?

The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a peer-led and driven space that focuses on food and financial insecurity. We run multiple programs for credit and non-credit students, many of which are run by student volunteers. 

For all students, we have a Free Breakfast program, which runs from 8:45 am – 11:30 am every weekday. There are always emergency food supplies in the centre that students in need can ask about. For longer-term food needs or any other general concerns, we can connect students to the Calgary Food Bank, and other on- and off-campus resources. 

Credit students have access to our deeper supports such as our Emergency Financial Aid Program and our Main Care Cupboard, which can provide students with emergency food up to three times per month. Generally, this space seeks to assist students as they navigate the university process by providing them with food and financial needs and by providing opportunities to connect with the campus community and make new friends.

Where can students find the Peer Support Centre?

We are located in rooms Z210 and Z204, with our main space and the Centre’s coordinator based in Z210. To access the Main Care Cupboard intake form, students can fill out the Google form linked on our website here. 

To get in touch with the PSC team to apply for emergency financial aid, students can visit the centre between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, email the centre at peersupport@samru.ca, or they may have better luck catching us if they complete the “PSC Contact Form” on our website under the Food & Financial Support section.

The PSC is collaborating with MRU to start an after-hours program! What’re the details and when will it be taking place?

The program will begin on September 16, 2024. Their current hours are set to be 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Monday – Thursday, and 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Saturdays, in rooms Z210 and Z204. However, these hours are subject to change. 

This program will be supported by MRU Wellness Social Workers and facilitated by MRU Social Work practicum students and volunteers. All student participants will be trained to assist students in crisis, offering support tailored to each individual’s needs. 

This program was created to offer crisis support outside of regular hours, ensuring students have help even when MRU counsellors are not available.

What’re the best ways students can get involved with the PSC and all its services?

Students can visit us at any time and ask questions about what we do and the services we provide. Volunteering is a huge component of the Peer Support Centre, and I would encourage any student looking to get involved, be a part the community, or ease loneliness to volunteer with the centre!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Everyone in the space on a regular basis is really friendly and welcoming. The room is not only for food and financial worries; come down any time to relax on the couches, start a puzzle, play a game, or start up a conversation with some new people.

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You can reach Sydnie via the forms on our PSC page, through peersupport@samru.ca, or by stopping by the Peer Support Centre in rooms Z210 and Z204 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekdays (excluding holidays). After 4:00 pm, you can access MRU’s after-hours support from 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm from Monday -Thursday, and 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Saturdays!

For general inquiries, you can reach us at info@samru.ca.