It’s important to be kind to yourself and be patient at this time of year. Check in with yourself and remember that there are plenty of resources and supports available to you. Help-seeking behaviour is important to add to your skillset, regardless of what you need and your level of need.

CRISIS SUPPORTS

If you’re in distress and feel like you need to speak to someone urgently, please connect with one of these options:

Off Campus:

Students needing emergency/crisis support outside of business hours are encouraged to use one of the crisis services accessible 24 hours a day that are listed below:

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
• Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7): 1-877-435-7170
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
• Canada Suicide Hotline (24/7): 1-833-456-4566
• Mobile Crisis Service: 204-940-1781
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness (24/7): Services available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, French and English at 1-855-242-3310
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-292-7565
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

On Campus:

• The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers same-day, brief crisis and emergency services to students in very high distress. Call 204-474-8592 or drop in at the SCC’s office at 474 UMSU University Centre on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM to discuss your situation and learn about their services.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

If you’re looking for mental health support:

• The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers individual counselling services, workshops and groups, and provides other mental health support resources depending on the services that will best meet your needs. Students are welcome to drop by the office to ask questions and learn about options for support. All services are confidential and free for students to access.
• Student Services at Bannatyne Campus (SSBC) also offers free and confidential services for students or residents of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. These include individual counselling and mental health supports, as well as referrals as needed. Contact 204-272-3190 or email BCSS [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to connect with their office.
• Healthy U is a peer support service powered by student volunteers who are trained student health educators. They provide mental health, sexual health and overall wellness education. You can find the Healthy U crew in the Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education) which is open on a drop-in basis for students to consult with health and wellness professionals and trained peer educators on a variety of health and wellness topics.
• Students covered by UMSU’s Enhanced Care or Basic Care Health Plan have access to Empower Me, a confidential mental health and wellness service for 24/7 support and immediate access to clinicians for crisis situations. The platform allows students to choose the level of support that is best for them at any time.

These are a small sample of the resources available to students within UM and in the community. 211 Manitoba provides more information on health and social services throughout the province. Students can also connect with the Rainbow Resource Centre for support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Women’s Health Clinic, Men’s Resource Centre of Manitoba (204-415-6797), and other community resources. Additionally, the SCC can help refer students to other community resources when needed.

OTHER PERSONAL AND CULTURAL SUPPORTS

Depending on what health and wellness service you’re looking for, UM has support available through a number of offices:

• University Health Service has a clinic on each campus, offering patient-centred primary care including the vaccines you need. Book an appointment, in-person or virtual, by calling 204-474-8411.
• Student Wellness is staffed by a diverse community of wellness professionals, student staff, and volunteers. This office can offer one to one support and connections to other available resources.
• Students are encouraged to visit Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge at 114 Sidney Smith St. on the Fort Garry Campus. It’s home to the Indigenous Student Centre advisors and Elders-in-Residence. Other student support providers spend dedicated time on location weekly. Cultural gatherings occur weekly, such as Sharing Circles, Fireside Chats, and so on. Indigenous students can access support from the Indigenous Student Centre by contacting 204-474-8850 or contacting isc[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.
• The International Centre can provide international students with help and support in all areas. Book an appointment with an International Student Advisor by calling 204-474-8501. Limited drop-in appointments may also be available in their office at 541 UMSU University Centre.
• The Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre offers one-on-one support to assist students of all beliefs and worldviews. They connect students with relevant resources and faith groups on and off campus that offer programming related to spiritual wellness and cultural humility through inter-faith engagement. Contact spiritualcare[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or 204-474-8721 to discuss your options.
• Student Accessibility Services is available to provide supports for students with disabilities and to foster academic success. If you require academic accommodations or accessibility supports, contact an accessibility coordinator at student_accessibility[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or at 204-474-7423.
• The Sexual Violence Resource Centre provides trauma-informed and survivor-centered support, resources and referral services for members of the UM community who have been affected by sexual violence in any capacity. Students are encouraged to contact svrc[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or 204-474-6562 for support.
• Recreation Services will help you stay active and keep moving, which is even more beneficial to mental health during busy times. A diverse selection of programs and services are being offered on both campuses, as well as virtual options. Those who are unfamiliar with UM’s sport and recreation facilities are welcome to book a tour.
• Connection Desk strives to be a one-stop-shop for the University of Manitoba community. We can help with general questions about UM – services and support offices, opportunities for students, event details, and more. Our team will make sure to connect you to the right place to get the answers you need about unique concerns. Stop by on the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre, across from the UM Bookstore and Starbucks.

Support for your mental health and wellness is available. If you’re feeling alone, know that there is a whole community of people around you who want to help and see you thrive. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Angus, who has served in her role for almost two decades, has witnessed generations of students reap the rewards of recreation programming at UM. Speaking to what she enjoys most about supporting this programming, she reflects, “I love seeing students find activities that bring them joy, whether it’s discovering a new passion for yoga, joining an intramural team, or simply making fitness a part of their routine. Recreation is a key part of student life, and fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and well-being through our programs is incredibly rewarding.”

A core tenet of Recreation Services is that it provides opportunities for all students to engage, and not just seasoned athletes. Different programs can meet students where they are, across a spectrum of experience, interests and time or energy commitments. Angus provides some suggestions to help students giving Recreation Services a try for the first time:

• Start small and explore. You don’t have to come with any previous experience or make a big commitment. Some great entry points are beginner-friendly group fitness classes or recreational sports.
• Find what you enjoy. There’s something for everyone, so look for what piques your interest and try a few options. Different programs like structured classes, solo workouts, or team sports have appeal for different kinds of people and lifestyles.
• Bring a friend. Trying new activities can be easier with a buddy! It’s also a great way to integrate physical activity and social time in your schedule.
• Ask for help. Staff and trainers are here for you and happy to help you find the right opportunities, whether you’re looking for specialized programs or general ways to get more active. You can even start by booking a Strong Start session, which is a half hour timeslot that connects you with a fitness attendant who can discuss your interests and provide a free customized tour. These sessions are free with the sole purpose of setting you up for success.

The benefits of participating in recreation extend far beyond physical fitness. Angus emphasizes that physical activity is especially important for students, saying “it’s about mental health, resilience, and community.” There is a multitude of reasons for students to get active, depending on their personal interests and goals. “Whether a student wants to train for a marathon, relieve stress with a fun game of volleyball, or simply take a break from studying with a group fitness class, we want to provide those opportunities,” describes Angus. Exercise is often one of the first things dropped from routines when life gets busy, despite how integral it is for supporting students in all other areas of wellness and success. By recognizing exercise as a core aspect of student life, rather than an auxiliary activity, students can reap the full benefits. As Angus explains, “Recreation helps students build healthy habits that can stay with them for life. Research also shows that students that are engaged in campus recreation are more likely to graduate and have higher GPAs.”

Recreation programming falls under several categories that serve different purposes. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Intramural Sports: Fun, recreational leagues where students can compete in sports like basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, innertube water polo and more.
• Recreational Clubs: Student-led clubs focused on activities like badminton, climbing, rugby, soccer, synchronized skating, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling. (A new dance club is coming this spring, as well!)
• Group Fitness & Wellness Classes: Yoga, HIIT, spin, and other instructor-led classes designed for all fitness levels.
• Personal Training: One-on-one personal training and group training to help you meet all your fitness goals.
• Adult & Community Programs: Open to the broader community, offering dance, martial arts, and recreation programs.

Even within each of these categories, there is a range of different types of activities and sports to explore. Angus and the Recreation Services team are always working to keep up a selection of varied programming that is fun and inclusive. Updates to the program offerings, such as the new Pilates Reformer class coming soon, are always in the works.

Check out the UM Sport and Recreation Online Registration webpage to explore the full list of recreation programs. Programming runs with academic terms, so when students are registered in courses for that term, their cost of membership is included in tuition (some programs require an extra fee, and some are free with membership). Spring registration is coming up next and opens March 27, 2025 at noon. If you are not registered in spring courses but are still a UM student, there is a Student Term Rate membership available for only $150 for an entire four months, so you can continue to be active all season.

The event provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and take in their vast wealth of traditional knowledge and teachings. Watch the video below to learn more.

Carl Stone, an Elder-in-residence with the Indigenous Student Centre, says to truly learn you must engage and he encourages everyone to attend.

“To really learn and have it become a part of you, you have to engage in it. And part of what we’re doing at this Elders gathering is helping people understand it – the engagement of our culture, our language, our ceremonies, our spirituality.”

Not just for Elders – all are invited to attend

This year’s theme, Empowering Future Generations, focuses on strengthening communities by sharing Indigenous stories, teachings and traditional knowledge to inspire and uplift the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Through a blend of discussions and interactive workshops, participants can deepen their understanding of Indigenous teachings while sharing and building connections.

UM student Sydney Richard attended in previous years and is appreciative of the opportunity to connect.

“It gives students the opportunity to engage with the Indigenous community and to engage with the culture and where you can learn new things,” says Richard. “It’s a place where you can make new connections, make new friends.”

For more event details, including registration, visit the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering webpage.

Many such activities can be found right here on campus.

Explore Winter Activities on Campus

Recreation Services at the University of Manitoba has fantastic options to keep you moving:

• Group Fitness Classes: From yoga to strength training, group fitness classes are a fun and energizing way to stay active. These classes are included for students and members at both Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
• Casual Recreation: Drop by to enjoy badminton, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, racquet sports, or even a walk around the track also included for students and members.
• Recreation Clubs & Intramurals: Join a rec club or play intramurals to meet new people while having fun. Registration opens January 2nd at noon.
• Climbing Courses & Adult Programs: Explore exciting opportunities like dance classes, martial arts, and group personal training programs. Registration is now open.
• Group & Personal Training: Looking to improve your health, check out options that are the perfect FIT for you. Registration is now open.  
• Open Climb Time: Perfect for those who enjoy a physical and mental challenge on the climbing wall! Check out more information on climbing.

Pro Tip: Free Trial. Students and members can access adult programs, rec clubs, and open climb time before the winter programs officially kick off. Don’t miss out—Registration opens January 1. For all Recreation Services information visit our website.

Stay Tuned for UM Winter Active

Mark your calendars! For outdoor fun, UM Winter Active runs from February 10–14 and offers a variety of activities designed to keep you moving and having fun. Whether you’re trying a new activity or walking with your friends around campus, there’s something for everyone.

Explore Winnipeg

The Tourism Winnipeg website has a long list of winter activities – some of these are still in the works for this winter (and some are weather dependent) but it is definitely a good place to keep an eye on. The activities include everything from River Trail adventures at the Forks to locations for skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

The Forks is a common place for winter fun – both indoor and outdoor – but there are numerous other locations around Winnipeg with opportunities for both more structured and unstructured activities. The Windsor Park Nordic Centre has 15km of cross-country ski trails suitable for all levels and they offer rentals for those who need. Fort Whyte Alive has beautiful trails suitable for walking or snowshoeing with chances to see snow-covered Bison. They also host a variety of activities and events throughout the season so keep an eye on their calendar! And there is, of course, Festival du Voyageur in February, which features live music, activities and delicious food.

If you prefer to enjoy the winter from inside, there are lots of options for that as well. For one, you can catch a Manitoba Moose or Winnipeg Jets hockey game at the Canada Life Centre. Besides all the outdoor action, The Forks is also a lovely place to wander around inside and grab a warm drink or a bite to eat. There, you can find an extensive antique shop, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (admission is free on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.!) and an arcade, among other attractions. Not far from there, you can also find the Manitoba Museum (the first Friday of every month from 4 – 9 p.m. is free!), the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (entry is free the second Sunday of every month!) and the Centennial Concert Hall (check out the student subscription deal for the Manitoba Opera!).

However you choose to spend your free time this winter, we hope that you will find a way to thrive!

The SWC strives to be an inclusive space for students to learn skills to actively engage in and maintain their wellbeing throughout their time in university. Our staff work to increase awareness of UM’s existing wellness services as well as enhance current Student Wellness and Healthy U supports. An inclusive space to connect, learn, grow, and enhance mental health and wellbeing, the SWC utilizes a best practice peer health education model and consider a stepped care and holistic health approach.

Aligning with both the Post-Secondary Standard for Student Mental Health and the UM’s commitment to improving its mental health services, the SWC is dedicated to fostering community-building, engagement in varied wellness practices (including harm reduction, peer education and support, referrals and service navigation), and a wellness resource library. 

Planned, resourced, and run by a diverse working group of students and UM staff, the SWC strives to reflect, celebrate, and honor the diversity of our UM community. The foundational values of the SWC are respect, inclusion, community, and holistic wellness.

What to Expect:

The Student Wellness Centre operates on a drop-in basis and provides an opportunity for students with an interest in health and wellness to connect with each other. Health and wellness professionals and trained peer educators will be available for consultation and support and the space will be used for health promotion events and other activities. We know students often juggle multiple demands, and that can be overwhelming. The SWC staff meet you where you are at. Come as you are. Be you. Learn, grow, recharge… we are here to support your current wellness needs.

Services offered:

• Lounge/drop in area
• Mindful campus space – breastfeeding and pumping friendly
• Harm reduction supplies (safer sex supplies, HIV self-test kits, take home naloxone kits)
• Peer and professional consultation
• Wellness library

Location: 162 Extended Education Fort Garry Campus (monthly pop ups at the Bannatyne campus)

Stay up to date here! @healthyuofm, Student Wellness

Questions: email healthandwellness[at]umanitoba[dot]ca

Acknowledgments: The SWC was made possible through funding from Bell Let’s Talk Implementation Grants.

We look forward to meeting you in our space and helping you prioritize your mental health and wellness during your academic journey at UM!

Curious about vaccines? Now more than ever, it is easier to get information about vaccinations on the University of Manitoba Student Wellness website. Here you can find information on vaccine recommendations and immunization schedules, coverage, and access specific to Manitoba, as well as education related to Meningitis B symptoms and treatment.

Vaccines can protect against illnesses that, if infected, could affect you throughout the semester!

Luckily illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and Meningitis B, all have vaccinations that can help prevent the contraction and severity of illness. While many of us are aware of the flu and COVID-19, Meningitis B is a rare but severe infection that can present as flu-like symptoms. Whenever you get sick, it is important to be aware and monitor the common symptoms of meningitis and see a healthcare provider if symptoms become concerning.

University students are encouraged to be aware of symptoms and measures that are available to prevent illness such as vaccine recommendations. University students commonly share living arrangements and exhibit behaviors like living in close proximity with others, sharing drinks, or kissing. These behaviors can increase one’s vulnerability of contracting specific illnesses (like Meningitis B).

Awareness and education are a key to health empowerment. Neither the University of Manitoba nor the Government of Manitoba require individuals to have many of the vaccinations that are available today, however students should feel empowered and encouraged to take vaccine information to their primary healthcare provider and make the decision that is best for them. To stay informed about vaccines and Meningitis B, be sure to visit the UM Student Wellness Page.

What are you grateful for?

When our minds start to wander to the worst-case scenarios, it can feel impossible to regain control. Try listing a few things that you are grateful for to help reign in that wandering mind!

• I am grateful for the delicious dinner I had last night
• I am grateful for my mom, who loves me
• I am grateful for the weather today

Read this article from the Gottman Institute to learn more about Rituals of Gratitude.

Work out your senses

Give your brain a bit of a workout by exercising your awareness of your senses. Practicing mindfulness can help to reduce stress and even help you focus.

• Seeing: Pick an object in your environment and try to notice something interesting about it that you might not have before
• Feeling: Bring awareness to every part of your body that is making contact with a surface
• Hearing: Find a noise, like the hum of your computer or the cars outside, and listen to the way it fluctuates
• Smelling: Try to identify a smell around you, like dinner being made or even just the regular smell of the room

Learn more about Using your Senses to Relieve Anxiety with this artcle from Anxiety Canada.

Remind yourself of how great you are!

In stressful moments, it is easy to feel like your self-esteem has taken a beating. When stress is something that we deal with often, like in a university setting, it’s crucial to develop strategies to maintain a high level of self-worth. Try writing down some affirmations in your phone or on a post-it note on your mirror so that they’re fresh in your mind when stress creeps in. These are most effective when they are realistic so feel free to tweak the examples below to fit your life!

• I am still strong even though I am having a hard moment
• I have taken exams that I have done well on before, and I will do well on this one
• Just because I am feeling anxious about this presentation does not mean I am unprepared

Learn about Self-Compassion which is related to affirmations.

Prepare and practice

The best way to use these tools to combat stress is in combination with preparation and practice. Just like when giving a presentation, it’s always best to come prepared with notes; print out this post or jot down a few of your favourite strategies in your phone so that you are prepared with your tools when stressful moments arise. These strategies are great to use in the moment, but will achieve the most success when exercised so that they’re tailored to your current situation.

Learn more

• Drop by the Student Wellness Centre at 162 Extended Education to learn more about how to manage stress during the upcoming exam season
• Check out Healthy U’s Guide to Stress and Anxiety package to learn even more stress-reducing strategies.
• Access Student Supports at UM
• Check out the Student Health and Wellness page

Healthy U is a UM student group made up of a team of friendly volunteers who are trained student health educators. Managed by UM’s Health and Wellness office, Healthy U provides students with validated health information through blog posts, peer office hours, health packages and outreach events. 

“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, current Healthy U volunteer.

We know the importance of caring for our wellness and the impact our health and wellness have on our academic success. Accessing support on campus is essential in maintaining a positive experience throughout university. Everyone deserves access to support for their health, whether this be addressing challenges or taking proactive measures to maintain their overall wellness.

The Student Wellness Centre is looking for motivated and compassionate students to become peer health educators with UM’s Healthy U program starting September 2024. Applications open March 11 until March 22, 2024 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.

“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., current 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

Apply through UMConnect and log in through Single Sign On.
Then search for the following position title or Job Posting ID:

Position Title: Healthy U Peer Health Educator
Job Posting ID: 70468

The 18th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, taking place January 25 and 26, is a time to embrace traditional Indigenous teachings shared through ceremony and across generations. The event brings Elders, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Knowledge Keepers together with each other and UM students, staff and faculty.  

This year’s theme is Restoring our Spirits: Wellness through Stories. The event will be a combination of Elder teachings and wellness stations taking place in safe spaces for learning, sharing and building connections. 

Not just for Elders – all are invited to attend

ISC Elder-in-Residence Norman Meade.

Norman Meade, an Elder in residence with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), says it’s important for Elders to come together and spend time with anyone who wants to see them, and he encourages everyone to attend.  

“It gives Elders a chance to not only share knowledge with the ones who sit down with them but the opportunity to share the knowledge they have with each other,” says Meade. “I always encourage younger people or those who aren’t sure what the title really means as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandfathers and Grandmothers to come sit with us Elders in a circle and learn.” 

UM student Amari Dion-Hart recently volunteered as a helper at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Knowledge Keepers Forum and believes events like these are important for young people to attend.  

Dion-Hart says sitting with Elders and Survivors and hearing their stories of resilience at the forum left her feeling inspired and full of hope for her generation. 

“I believe that it is important for young people to engage with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Survivors because listening, connecting and learning is the path to reconciliation,” says Dion-Hart. “Youth are the next generation of leaders, and we all can create the change and be the change we want to see.” 

Topics for Elder teachings include identity and wellness, perspectives on 2SLGBTQIA+ wellness, stories on Dakota Purification Lodges, among others; and the wellness stations will welcome medicine pouch making, a beading circle and other opportunities for self-care.

For more information about Elder teachings, wellness sessions and other event details, visit the UM Indigenous Elders Gathering webpage.

Curious about vaccines? Now more than ever, it is easier to get information about vaccinations on the University of Manitoba Health and Wellness website. Here you can find information on vaccine recommendations and immunization schedules, coverage, and access specific to Manitoba, as well as education related to Meningitis B symptoms and treatment.

Vaccines can protect against illnesses that, if infected, could affect you throughout the semester!

Luckily illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and Meningitis B, all have vaccinations that can help prevent the contraction and severity of illness. While many of us are aware of the flu and COVID-19, Meningitis B is a rare but severe infection that can present as flu-like symptoms. Whenever you get sick, it is important to be aware and monitor the common symptoms of meningitis and see a healthcare provider if needed.

University students are encouraged to be aware of symptoms and measures to prevent illness such as vaccine recommendations. University students commonly share living arrangements and exhibit behaviors like living in close proximity with others, sharing drinks, or kissing. These behaviours can increase one’s vulnerability of contracting specific illnesses (like Meningitis B).

Awareness and education are a key to health empowerment. The University of Manitoba nor the Government of Manitoba requires individuals to have every vaccination available, however students should feel empowered and encouraged to take vaccine information to their primary healthcare provider and make the best decision that is best for them.

To stay informed about vaccines and Meningitis B, be sure to visit the UM Health and Wellness Page