
Caring for Communities
We understand that global events—such as conflicts, natural disasters, and social injustices—can deeply affect members of our community. These challenges can make itÌýdifficultÌýto concentrate on academicsÌýand work,ÌýandÌýto maintainÌýone’sÌýpersonal well-being.
To support ourÌývariousÌýcommunities, the OfficeÌýofÌýEquity, Diversity, InclusionÌýand Anti-racism has curated a list ofÌýon- and off- campusÌýresources that are availableÌýto you and hasÌýalsoÌýcreated opportunitiesÌýforÌýcommunityÌýengagement.
Please take a moment to exploreÌýthese optionsÌýbelow.
Tangible Resources/Supports
For 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Members:
- Ìýprovides peer support and social activities for queer people in the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region.
- Queer and Trans Graduate Students Wellness (QTWELL)Ìýis an open drop-in group for any graduate student who is a sexual and gender minority or identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- - provides peer support, advocacy and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ members, promoting healthy attitudes towards all identities and organizing social events on campus.Ìý
- Counselling ServicesÌýprovides the option to request a queer/trans counsellor at intake.
- Ìýprovides counselling, youth groups and education services for queer people in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region.
- As straight as the ring roadÌý– a Walk and Talk, Outdoor, Therapeutic Group for Queer and Trans Students.
- Ìýis SPECTRUM’s compiled list of businesses and services that are queer-owned and queer-friendly in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ region.
-
Gender JourneysÌýis a supportive psychoeducational group specifically designed to support gender diverse UW students.
-
Ìý - A volunteer-based community association that acts as a central hub for the local Rainbow community. WRRC brings together various stakeholders from across the Region.
Ìý
How to be a supportive ally:
- Amplify Podcast -
- Amplify Podcast -Ìý
- Bystander Intervention Resource Sheet
- Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention How-To
For International Student Community members
- International Student Resources: Resources related to international student life.
- International Student Conversations: A space where international students can gather in community and share their experiences living in Canada.
- International Peer Community: A space where international students can find community amongst other international students, settle and feel supported.
- Connection Collective: A space for equity-deserving students to connect with other equity-deserving students seeking community.
- 1:1 Counselling support: ÌýStudents can book a one-time 90 minute appointment with a counsellor to focus on an immediate concerns or if it’s a crisis they can schedule a crisis appointment and can be seen within 24 hours or 3 - 5 days.
- & : Events for graduate international students, including networking and community-building activities.Ìý
For Palestinian, Muslim, Arab community members:
- - This club fosters a vibrant Muslim community at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, offering an Islamic environment and promoting awareness of Islam through lectures and events.Ìý
- - This club celebrates Arab heritage through cultural, social and educational events, fostering a supportive community for Arab students and those interested in Arab culture.Ìý
- UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Counselling Services - The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ counselling services offer a secure, inclusive environment with specialized counsellors who provide personalized support, emphasizing diverse identities and lived experiences.Ìý
- - The Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W empowers Palestinian, Muslim and Arab communities by addressing discrimination, Islamophobia and gender-based violence through advocacy and social justice initiatives.Ìý
- - This organization is dedicated to fostering connections, providing support, and empowering Arab women across À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region and Guelph.
- - This organization offers spiritually and culturally sensitive humanitarian and social services to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region.
For Jewish, Israeli community members:
- UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Counselling Services - The University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ counselling services provide a supportive, inclusive environment with specialized counsellors offering personalized care, emphasizing diverse identities and relatable lived experiences.Ìý
- - The Kosher Food Bank supports the Jewish and Israeli community by providing kosher food, respecting dignity through appointments and distributing baskets during High Holidays and Pesach.Ìý
- - Hillel À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ/Laurier engages Jewish students through education, advocacy and cultural activities, fostering Jewish identity and inclusivity while promoting connection to Jewish life and Israel.Ìý
- - The WRJCC fosters community through groups like "JUnite 20s & 30s," "LGBTJU," "Ladies Group," "Guelph Schmoozers," and "50+ Group," promoting inclusivity and connection.Ìý
- - The Jewish Family and Child Service fosters resilience, hope and dignity, supporting individuals and families through inclusive programs, safe spaces and community-focused workshops.Ìý
For Black and Racialized Community members:
- Students can access accommodations for Racial Trauma through AccessAbility Services
- UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Counselling - prioritizing affected individuals
- : find a Racialized therapist
- WUSA service addressing racism and xenophobia, offering peer support and events.
- promote awareness about Africa and Africans in the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Region and area. They are committed to bringing African communities together through capacity building and self-empowerment to enhance the welfare of African descendants in the area.
-
- a nonprofit community that promotes African culture and heritage through educational and social activities while providing a strong support system for African women and their families as they navigate structural barriers and settle in the community.
-
- Counselling provided by professionals who are racially, culturally and spiritually equipped with a mission to transform personal narratives of Black persons, support and empower them as they navigate systems in order to attain positive Self- actualization and Holistic wellness.
Taking an active role of your own personal safety and security:
Download Regroup Mobile
Downloading the Regroup Mobile app to your mobile device keeps you connected to campus, while the in-app alert and push notification features allow you to stay informed of major campus emergency events -- even when you’re on the go.
Canadian Civil Liberities Association (CCLA)
The CCLA – provides resources that outline your rights, how to protect yourself, and they provide guidance on how to interact with police. Learn more on the
Health and Wellness
- Campus Wellness - provides. support to UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ students, including disability accommodations, mental health, physical health, sexual violence and prevention response, and health coverage resources.
- Employee Health Accommodations -Ìýwhich includes the Occupational Health team, is dedicated to supporting the meaningful participation and inclusion of all employees in the workplace, aligning with the University’s mission and strategic initiatives.Ìý
- provides support to individuals, families, and communities as they work to strengthen their mental health and well-being.
- Counselling Centre provides affordable counselling to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, faith and spirituality.
- -Ìýprovides a safe space where counselling and addictions services support the emotional well-being of people in Cambridge and North Dumfries.
Did you know our office:
Community of Care Sessions
In collaboration with Campus Wellness, our office will arrange in-person sessions (upon request) to support communities in need. These sessions aim to foster community building, understanding, connection, and care within affected groups.
We are here to help.
Ìý