Find connection and calm: 12 UM support groups and workshops to try this term

If you’re thinking about reaching out for mental health support, your first thought might be to request an appointment with a counsellor or therapist. While one-on-one counselling is a great option, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and wellness. That’s why the University of Manitoba offers a variety of groups and workshops for students so you can explore the options and find the combination of resources and services that works best for you.

Workshops and groups offer different experiences. Workshops are usually 1-2 sessions, focus on coping skills and don’t require that you share. They are more likely to be drop-in or open-ended so there are usually different people at each session. Groups offer more sessions, and if it’s a closed group, you’ll typically meet with the same group of students over multiple weeks. Groups also provide more opportunities to share personal experiences and delve deeper into what’s going on for you.

One of the best parts of this kind of programming is that it brings people together. Connecting with and hearing from other students going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone.

Here are 12 groups and workshops you can try out at UM over Winter Term:

Workshops/Drop-in programming:

• Regulation Station: join other autistic students in a space where you can feel like yourself! No agenda or expectation, just a place to come as you are. Next sessions: January 16 and February 13. In-person at the Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education. Drop-in: no registration required.
• International Centre Weekly Wednesday Conversation Group: talk about Canadian culture, get tips for making connections and practice your “small talk.” All students are welcome weekly from 2:30-3:30pm in-person at the International Centre, 541 UMSU University Centre. Next sessions: January 17 and 24. Drop-in: no registration required.
• Pause for Paws: take a break and find some stress relief with pet therapy in the Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education. Next sessions: January 24 and February 14. Drop-in: no registration required.
• Antiracism workshop series: better understand the impacts of racism and how to advocate against it. Build resilience and learn how to respond to microaggressions. Thursdays from 10:30am to 12pm starting January 25. In-person; registration required through the Student Counselling Centre (SCC).
• Colourful Minds Paint Night: grab a paintbrush, manage stress and explore your artistic expression through a guided painting session. No experience required and all materials are provided. 4-7pm January 25. In- person; registration required by January 19.
• Stress and Wellness 101: sign up for a three session workshop series that can help you identify stress triggers, develop strategies to help and expand your awareness of available resources. Next series starts February 2. Online and in-person sessions available; registration required through the SCC.

Groups:

• Queerly Beloved: join a group of queer students and allies in the UM student community who have experienced harm and hurt from a faith community. A gathering space for you to belong, to tell and process your story and to receive the stories of others who have walked a similar path. Students from all faith backgrounds and experiences are welcome. In-person; registration required through the SCC.
• Healing from Racialized Trauma: recognize how racialized trauma may be present in your body and learn individual and community healing strategies to help. For students who identify as Black, Indigenous, Bodies of Culture (BIBOC) and are seeking to heal from racialized trauma. Next session starts January 16. In-person at the Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre, 5^th floor UMSU University Centre. Registration required through the SCC.
• ZONGIIGABOWIN – Indigenous Men’s Wellness Group: join a weekly gathering of Indigenous males who empower each other. Come together and explore your strengths and place in the university and society. Traditional knowledge and western teachings will be called upon as guidelines. Weekly on Thursdays, 4-5:30pm in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik. Next session is on January 18. Drop-in: no registration required.
• Two-Spirits Talking: gather in a space for Indigenous Two-Spirit students, staff and faculty. Talk about topics that explore and bridge your interconnected Indigenous and queer identities. Online and in-person in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik. Next session is on January 25. Drop-in: no registration required.
• Making Meaning About Me: Understanding and expressing my emotions in a good way: make sense of your emotions and learn how to express them in safe and constructive ways. Starting in February 2024. In-person; registration required through the SCC.
• Mindful De-Stressing Group: discover the practice of mindfulness to become more aware and accepting of your experiences. Learn to respond to stressful situations in new ways. Next session starts March 1. In-person; registration required through the SCC.

These groups and workshops aren’t your only options for support, but they’re a great place to start. Discover a safe place where you can meet others who you can relate to, share your experiences, get valuable feedback and develop new coping skills. You deserve to receive the care that fits best with your self-defined goals for wellness!

Discover all the student supports you need to thrive at umanitoba.ca/student-supports

Teri Stevens