The Student Wellness Centre is looking for motivated and compassionate students to become peer health educators with UM’s Healthy U program starting September 2025. Applications (Apply to become a Healthy U volunteer 2025-2026) open March 17 and close March 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Founded in 2015, Healthy U (HU) is an opportunity for students to gain valuable training in the health and wellness field while promoting education on numerous topics including mental health, physical health, sexual health and substance use. Healthy U engages in online health promotion through social media and develops and facilitates numerous outreach events and initiatives such as sex pub trivia, stress management, and self compassion. In addition to health promotion, Healthy U volunteers are trained to provide one-to-one peer support using an empathetic, non-judgemental lens, meeting students where they’re at and helping them feel empowered in taking control of their own health.

“I have learnt so much about the importance of health and wellness in our university’s community and I have enjoyed learning more about diverse populations here at UofM while fostering community and making friendships. I look forward to volunteering next year and continuing to advocate for wellness” – Jodh Ghuman, former Healthy U volunteer and current Student Wellness Centre staff member.

“Being a HealthyU member has enabled me to become a more culturally competent individual. The community that the HealthyU team builds not only offers a safe and welcoming space for others but also for yourself. Overall, being a member can be a very rewarding and self-fulfilling experience!” – Bowen C., former Healthy U volunteer.

For those with an interest in health and wellness, looking to connect with their peers, or strive to creating a healthy campus, Healthy U may be the rewarding experience you are looking for.

To learn more and apply to be a Healthy U volunteer, visit the Healthy U website.

For any additional questions or application information please contact healthyu[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.

Health and wellness play a critical role in academic success; the following resources are free, available year-round, and open to UM students:

The Student Wellness Centre (SWC): A drop-in lounge space located at 162 Extended Education on the Fort Garry Campus. Stop by to rest, recharge, connect, and learn. Health and wellness professionals and trained student staff are available for consultation and support on a drop in and appointment basis. The space also hosts health and wellness preventive and promotional initiatives, and offers free safer sex supplies. Follow @healthyuofm for upcoming wellness events and initiatives to take part in!

Spring/Summer Hours – Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Student Counselling Centre (SCC):  In addition to one to one counselling, the SCC offers a variety of groups and workshops such as Communication and Conflict, Stress and Wellness 101, and Loss and Grief Supports. Make sure you check the Student Counselling Cenre webpage for current group and workshop offerings. The SCC is located in room 474 UMSU University Centre.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS): Available to provide supports for students with disabilities and to encourage academic success. If you require academic accommodations or accessibility supports, they are available to help. The SAS office is located in room 520 UMSU University Centre. 

Student Support Case Management: Here to help students connect to and navigate multiple supports in order to address complex obstacles and barriers in support of overall health and wellbeing. They understand that it can be hard to find the right resources when you are facing a crisis or emergency in your life and will help you get connected.

University Health Services (UHS): Health care providers such as doctors and nurses on campus who can provide health care to students. They also have a consulting psychiatrist should a student need or be interested in connecting. UHS offers a full range of medical supports and services and both campuses offer virtual and in person appointments.

Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre: They provide spiritual support for students who are looking for cultural support as well as services to those experiencing loss, grief or exploring purpose in one’s life. The Spiritual Care team includes chaplains and other spiritual care providers representing a variety of faith traditions. Spiritual health services are available to all; they recognize, affirm and work with your existing values and beliefs. They also offer workshops and events throughout the year like smudging and drumming circles.

Student Services at Bannatyne Campus: A service hub for students and residents in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Staff provide supports and referrals for personal and academic success.

Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC): The SVRC team can help support and provide information to folks who want to talk about a personal incident of sexual violence or if they are supporting a loved one who has experienced this. Their office is in a private space and services are confidential. They also offer a Healthy Relationships course that can teach you more about topics such as consent and communication.

University can be both exciting and overwhelming. Connecting with resources can help create a sense of community and make you feel supported throughout your academic journey while considering your health and wellbeing. Whether you consider connecting now, or at some point throughout your journey, just know that there are many supports available at UM who want to help you succeed!