We understand that global events—such as conflicts, natural disasters, and social injustices—can deeply affect members of our community. These challenges can make it difficult to concentrate on academics and work, and to maintain one’s personal well-being.
To support our various communities, the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism has curated a list of on- and off- campus resources that are available to you and has also created opportunities for community engagement.
Please take a moment to explore these options below.
Tangible Resources/Supports
For 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Members:
- Spectrum Waterloo provides peer support and social activities for queer people in the Waterloo Region.
- Queer and Trans Graduate Students Wellness (QTWELL) is an open drop-in group for any graduate student who is a sexual and gender minority or identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Glow Centre Trans Resources - provides peer support, advocacy and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ members, promoting healthy attitudes towards all identities and organizing social events on campus.
- Counselling Services provides the option to request a queer/trans counsellor at intake.
- OK2BME KW provides counselling, youth groups and education services for queer people in Waterloo Region.
- As straight as the ring road – a Walk and Talk, Outdoor, Therapeutic Group for Queer and Trans Students.
- Rainbow Pages is SPECTRUM’s compiled list of businesses and services that are queer-owned and queer-friendly in Waterloo region.
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Gender Journeys is a supportive psychoeducational group specifically designed to support gender diverse UW students.
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Waterloo Region Rainbow Coalition (WRCC) - 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.
How to be a supportive ally:
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: Students 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.
- Graduate Student Association (GSA) Events & Resources for International Students: Events for graduate international students, including networking and community-building activities.
For Palestinian, Muslim, Arab community members:
- WUSA Clubs
- University of Waterloo Muslim Student Association - This club fosters a vibrant Muslim community at the University of Waterloo, offering an Islamic environment and promoting awareness of Islam through lectures and events.
- Waterloo Arab Student Association - This club celebrates Arab heritage through cultural, social and educational events, fostering a supportive community for Arab students and those interested in Arab culture.
- UWaterloo Counselling Services - The University of Waterloo counselling services offer a secure, inclusive environment with specialized counsellors who provide personalized support, emphasizing diverse identities and lived experiences.
- Coalition of Muslim Women of K-W - 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.
- Canadian Arab Women's Association- This organization is dedicated to fostering connections, providing support, and empowering Arab women across Waterloo Region and Guelph.
- Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region - This organization offers spiritually and culturally sensitive humanitarian and social services to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the Waterloo Region.
For Jewish, Israeli community members:
- WUSA Clubs
- UWaterloo Counselling Services - The University of Waterloo counselling services provide a supportive, inclusive environment with specialized counsellors offering personalized care, emphasizing diverse identities and relatable lived experiences.
- Kosher Food Bank - 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.
- Hillel Waterloo & Laurier - Hillel Waterloo/Laurier engages Jewish students through education, advocacy and cultural activities, fostering Jewish identity and inclusivity while promoting connection to Jewish life and Israel.
- Waterloo Region Jewish Community Council - The WRJCC fosters community through groups like "JUnite 20s & 30s," "LGBTJU," "Ladies Group," "Guelph Schmoozers," and "50+ Group," promoting inclusivity and connection.
- Jewish Counselling - The Jewish Family and Child Service fosters resilience, hope and dignity, supporting individuals and families through inclusive programs, safe spaces and community-focused workshops.
For Black and Racialized Community members:
- Students can access accommodations for Racial Trauma through AccessAbility Services
- UWaterloo Counselling - prioritizing affected individuals
- Healing in Colour: find a Racialized therapist
- RAISE (Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity, and Equity): WUSA service addressing racism and xenophobia, offering peer support and events.
- African-Canadian Assoc. of Waterloo Region and Area - promote awareness about Africa and Africans in the Waterloo 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.
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African Women's Alliance of Waterloo Region- 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.
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Kind Minds Family Wellness - 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 CCLA website.
Health and Wellness
- Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health provides support to individuals, families, and communities as they work to strengthen their mental health and well-being.
- Delton Glebe Counselling Centre provides affordable counselling to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, faith and spirituality.
- Porchlight Counselling- provides 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.