Counselling Services

The Kind Space serves as a Peer Community Hub for students and trained peers to meet, connect and network.

Peers provide fellow students with social, emotional, practical, career and/or academic support using their similar experiences as students. Connecting with a Student Peer can foster a sense of community and belonging through the exchange of shared lived experiences.

You can access the Kind Space for scheduled:

• Drop-In Peer Support
• One-on-one Peer Mentoring and Peer Tutoring
• Skills-based, therapeutic and recreational groups

The Kind Space values compassion for others, respect, a sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, as well as sensory considerations and the commitment to privacy. Above all, the space aims to encourage connection and normalize help-seeking in a welcoming and accessible environment.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Recognize the signs a friend might be struggling.

Common signs might include:

• A sudden disinterest in connecting or social withdrawal
• Sleeping a lot, stating that they are always very tired
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Sharing feelings of hopelessness
• Excessive use of alcohol / drug
   

If you are comfortable doing so, speaking directly to your friend and expressing your concern can often help someone take the first steps to getting help.

If you choose to speak with the them, keep the following tips in mind:​​​​​​​

• Meet in a private place where you will not be interrupted;
• Remain calm and welcoming;
• Express your concern in a positive tone and be specific about the what is concerning you; "I've noticed _______, and I'm concerned about you"
• Listen with empathy and without judgment, encouraging them to elaborate. "So what you're saying is…tell me more about that.";
• Convey caring and sensitivity while being cautious about giving advice. "It sounds like there is a lot going on, there are some resources I can connect you with that may provide help."
• Understand that "opening up" can be difficult and emotional for both of you;
• Know your limits. Avoid promising to keep their concerns a secret. If the student expresses something that might indicate a safety risk, remember that you should always contact someone else who can help (e.g., Campus Security for students on campus; 911 for students off campus)
   

Unsure how to bring it up? Here are some sample questions…

"I've noticed _______, and I'm concerned about you"
"How's it been going lately?" or "How have you been feeling lately?"
"I noticed you missed the last class / test – is everything okay?"
"So what you're saying is…tell me more about that.";
"It sounds like there is a lot going on, there are some resources I can connect you with that may provide help."
"That sounds like a lot.  Did you know there is free and confidential support on campus that students can access?"
 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You can refer your friend to the following free and confidential on-campus and community supports:

Confidential counselling services can be delivered in person, by secure video conference, or over the phone.

519-452-4282 or email counselling@fanshawec.ca.

If you are concerned for the safety of your friend or dealing with an emergency, contact Campus Security Services or 911