Peer Support | University of King's College

Students helping students, on campus.

King’s students have access to three on-campus peer support workers who provide free, non-judgmental, confidential, and safe mental health support to students. Appointments can be booked online. Priority will go to pre-booked appointments, but you can also drop by the office.

The Peer Support Program started in October 2015 as part of the Stay Connected Mental Health Project, which created a link between universities and hospitals in Halifax to better serve students who need different types of support.

For the Fall 2023 semester, in-person peer support is available at the following hours:

Monday 3-5 p.m.: Nicole
Tuesdays 12-2 p.m.: Jessica (at the Indigenous Student Centre)
Thursday 1-3 p.m.: Nicole
Friday 3-5 p.m.: Jessica

King’s Peer Supporters

Supervised by King’s Peer Support Advisor, the peer support workers have received 16 hours of training adapted from the Nova Scotia Certified Peer Support Specialist Program and other training programs from across Canada. They also have their own personal experiences with student life and mental health, allowing them to identify, relate to, and support students on a peer-to-peer level.

2023/24 Peer Supporters

Jessica Casey

Hey, I’m Jess (she/her)! I’m a fourth-year from Paradise, Newfoundland.

I did FYP in 2020, and now I’m taking Social Anthropology and Contemporary Studies. Some of my favorite things to do in Halifax include hanging out in the public gardens, skating at the Emera oval and scouting out new places to read.

When I’m in the peer support office, feel free to visit and talk about whatever’s on your mind—If you’d like some ideas, we could chat about your favourite book, study spots or self-care strategies!

Nicole Ponto

Hey everyone, I’m Nicole (she/her), a fourth-year from Regina, Saskatchewan!

I just finished up my BSc in Neuroscience and am spending the year completing a BA in Philosophy! Some of my favorite things to do in Halifax include thrifting, eating sushi at Wasabi House, and dog watching in the public gardens. I am also super lucky and get to coach some amazing kids in club volleyball throughout the year!

When I am in the peer support office feel free to drop by. We can talk about whatever is on your mind, from managing school-related stress, to favorite places to see in Halifax.