Overview
Imagine a safe, welcoming space where students can drop in for confidential, compassionate support during times of stress. Through the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Student Health and Wellness, that space exists at the Wellness Desk, located on the main floor of Carleton University’s library.
At the Wellness Desk, students connect with trained Student Wellness Ambassadors who provide peer support, explore wellness resources, answer questions, and help students identify next steps to support their wellbeing. Situated in a central and familiar campus location, the Wellness Desk offers accessible, low-barrier support that meets students where they are.
The Background
The Wellness Desk was created to provide highly accessible mental health and wellbeing support in a safe, familiar and central location. By removing barriers to accessing support, the Wellness Desk helps students address challenges early, connect with appropriate resources, and develop skills that support their overall wellbeing.
Equally important, the Wellness Desk helps normalize conversations about mental health and wellness across campus. Its presence within the library demonstrates Carleton’s commitment to creating a culture where seeking support is encouraged and wellbeing is recognized as essential to student success.
The generosity of caring donors is critical to sustaining and enhancing this service. Contributions will help ensure that current and future generations of students continue to have access to wellness resources, supportive programming, and tools that promote resilience and wellbeing.
The Rollout
With support from donors, the Wellness Desk will create a comprehensive Wellness Library featuring self-help books, guided journals, workbooks, puzzles, and other evidence-informed resources that students can access to support their mental health and personal growth.
Funding will also help create a more sensory-friendly and therapeutic environment through the purchase of wellness tools such as:
- Light therapy lamps
- Weighted lap pads and other comforting sensory aids
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Meditation and mindfulness resources
- Stress-reduction and grounding tools
These resources will enhance the Wellness Desk’s ability to provide a welcoming and inclusive space that accommodates diverse student needs and learning styles.
The Impact
The Wellness Desk strives to be a safe, inclusive environment where students are given the space to prioritize their wellbeing and develop lifelong self-care practices. Through meaningful interactions, resource navigation, and access to wellness tools, students gain skills and strategies that support their academic success and overall quality of life.
The impact extends beyond individual students. By promoting wellbeing, fostering connection, and encouraging help-seeking behaviours, the Wellness Desk contributes to a healthier, more supportive campus community. Students who learn to care for their mental health are better equipped to engage in their studies, participate in campus life, and thrive both during their time at Carleton and beyond.