Peer Support Line opens on campus
A pilot support line will open Wednesday night, and will provide students with information on a wide range of issues, including mental, physical and sexual health, nutrition and stress management.
The McMaster Students Union will begin piloting a peer support phone line Wednesday night.
The service, staffed by volunteers, will be available to students between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Volunteers have been trained by Security Services and the Student Wellness Centre, and are capable of handling non-crisis calls.
“Maybe it’s to talk about procrastination and academics, maybe it’s to be referred to a nutritionist,” said Siobhan Stewart, president of the McMaster Students Union. “We’re really trying to target those who aren’t comfortable meeting in person.”
Stewart expects students will call the line to talk about a wide range of issues, including academics, addiction, stress and sexual, mental and physical health.
The Peer Support Line can be reached at ext. 28888.
The pilot program will run until the end of the term, at which point Stewart hopes the students union will make the program a permanent service.
