Peer Support Service
Developed by the University of Toronto, the Peer Support Service (PSS) offers non-clinical psychosocial and emotional support, resource and service navigation, and, when needed, connections to crisis supports. The service helps students navigate a wide range of issues, including mental health challenges, academic stress, interpersonal difficulties, and experiences of loneliness and isolation.
Delivered by trained student Peer Supporters and designed for students across all faculties and academic levels, PSS is a low-barrier, easy access mental health service that often serves as students’ first point of entry to other mental health services at the university. Additionally, as a nonclinical service the program’s model allows it to be more accessible and inclusive to equity-deserving student populations, like first-year students, international students, and racialized students, who often face systemic barriers to accessing mental health care and benefit from peer-led, and non-clinical support.
Overall, the program aims to enhance mental health outcomes, increase familiarity with on- and off-campus supports, and offer a space where students feel genuinely heard and supported. While the primary beneficiaries are students accessing support, the program also intentionally supports the growth and development of those delivering the service; Peer Supporters benefit from ongoing training, professional development, and meaningful engagement that fosters confidence, mental health literacy, and a sense of purpose and self-worth.
The Evidence
The Peer Support Service is guided by a robust evaluation framework that incorporates multiple data collection activities across the academic year to assess both implementation and impact. Process evaluation activities help ensure the service is delivered as intended and highlight opportunities for ongoing improvement (e.g., Peer Supporter training evaluation survey, post-session debrief forms, the end-of-year Peer Supporter exit survey). Findings from a three-year period indicate that the training program effectively prepares Peer Supporters for their role, and that the service usage has steadily increased – particularly for concerns related to mental health, academic stress, and social isolation. Notably, 100% of Peer Supporters reported satisfaction with their experience and stated that the role met or exceeded their expectations.
To assess outcomes, post-session evaluation surveys and Peer Supporter surveys and interviews are utilized. Three-year data indicates that students who visited the service reported increased perceived mental health, consistently felt heard and supported by the Peer Supporter, and were better informed about mental health and campus resources after visiting the service. Peer Supporters reported gains in mental health knowledge, system navigation skills, and confidence in applying peer support techniques. Evaluation data also point to deeper impacts on Peer Supporters, including an enhanced sense of purpose, increased self-worth, and improved clarity around future career paths, particularly in mental health and helping professions.
Additional Information
For additional information, explore the Peer Support Service webpage
If you are interested in delivering and evaluating this practice at your campus, please contact c.collinswilliams@utoronto.ca and vhil.castillejos@utoronto.ca.
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