Resources

The Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) works closely with staff, students and faculty members to advance equity and inclusion by promoting an environment of respect, safety, collegiality and openness.

UH 104
905-525-9140 ext. 27581

equity@mcmaster.ca

YouThrive is a new mental health program for BIPOC children, youth, & families offered by the Youth Wellness Centre & St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

Call: 905-522-1155 ext. 31725

CAPS is for students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group or have barriers to employment.

Equity-deserving groups include people who experience discrimination and social barriers that prevent them from receiving equal access to services and opportunities. Some equity-deserving groups include women; racialized persons; First Nations, Métis and Inuit; persons with disabilities; and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The CAPS team provides individualized support to assist with all aspects of career development including exploration, preparation and the building of skills and confidence.

careeraccess@mcmaster.ca

The Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC) is a multicultural network of community leaders and groups working in collaboration to provide spiritual care services. At the SCLC, we value each individual as a person (mind, body and spirit) deserving of love and care. We acknowledge the importance of community in our daily lives and the significant role it plays in our larger sense of identity, whether that identity is religious, secular, spiritual or otherwise.

ISS offers a welcoming and supportive environment for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. ISS provides a range of services including admission assistance, financial aid guidance, wellness counseling, and academic support. These initiatives aim to celebrate Indigenous cultures, promote academic success, and build strong connections across campus. 

Indigenous Wellness Counsellor, Sarah Thorne 

365-366-8530 (call or text) 

Thorns4@mcmaster.ca  

Homeward Bound program supporting Indigenous mothers in education, housing, and employment, Housing supports for youth 16-24, Healthy Babies Health Children, Addiction and mental health support, Cultural teachings, family and youth support, aboriginal court worker program

905-548-9593

The Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) organizes social events and gatherings based in Metis culture and the promotion of health and wellness. Contact the Hamilton branch for more information on local events.

Native Women’s Centre  provides safe, emergency shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law.

1-888-308-6559

The Pride Community Centre (PCC) is a student-run service provided by the MSU that aims to challenge oppressive social attitudes and norms, patriarchy, homo/trans/bi/lesbophobia, and the like, at the systemic level. PCC provides a contact point for McMaster students that may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or any of the other diverse identities that make up our community.

The MSU Women & Gender Equity Network (WGEN) is a peer support driven service that caters to women, trans folk, people who identify outside the gender binary, gender non-conforming folk and all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence from all gender identities.

The LGBTQ2SIA+ Athletic Advocacy Group aims to provide an inclusive and supportive environment and community across McMaster Athletics & Recreation through education, programs, and social events. We strive to provide educational resources for coaches, staff, athletes, students, and fans, to increase knowledge about LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and how to manage LGBTQ2SIA+ issues, particularly in sport.

A space for trans, nonbinary, 2-Spirit, gender-diverse students, staff, faculty, alumni, community members, and allies to curate community and push for change. Reach out by email to join the group! MTAG@mcmaster.ca  

LGBT YouthLine is a youth-led organization offering confidential 2SLGBTQ+ peer support across Ontario. Connect by text or chat for support, resources, and community.

Contact the HelpLine
Chat now or text 647-694-4275.

speqtrum is a youth-founded and youth-focused skill-sharing and community building program for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people in Hamilton, ON.

Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people. Available 24/7.

1-877-330-6366 

Provide care and programming to 2SLGBTQI+ people including; Gender Affirming Care, Gender Gear Program, Trans ID clinic, Grocery Program, and more! 

The IESE, part of McMaster’s Student Success Centre (SSC), offers personalized support and programs for international, visiting, exchange, and globally-minded students. Services include immigration advising, success coaching, UHIP health insurance, peer support, and events.

MUSC B118
Ext. 27874
iese@mcmater.ca

The Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) works closely with staff, students and faculty members to advance equity and inclusion by promoting an environment of respect, safety, collegiality and openness.

UH 104
905-525-9140 ext. 27581

equity@mcmaster.ca

MSU Peer Support Services are student-run spaces offering confidential, non-judgmental peer support on topics like mental health, identity, and navigating life at McMaster.

Whether you’re adjusting to campus from another province or country, or just need someone to talk to, these services are here for you.

Some of the peer support groups include:
– Maccess: for students with disabilities, chronic illness, and mental health experiences
– Pride Community Centre (PCC): for 2SLGBTQIA+ students
– Student Health Education Centre (SHEC): for general health and wellness peer support
– Women & Gender Equity Network (WGEN): for women, trans, and gender-diverse students

The MSU Student Assistance Program (SAP) offers free, confidential 24/7 support to all undergraduate McMaster students.

On-demand counselling from professional experts in areas such as mental health, family and relationships, career counselling, financial planning, and more. Easy and quick access to multilingual support, wellness programs, women’s health, and out-of-country coaching services.

Appointments available in as little as 24 hours or the next day.

Call 1-855-853-0565

As many students do, you may find it challenging to get adequate and affordable mental health support. But did you know that Conversation, a service offered in partnership with Dialogue, helps reduce barriers to care by ensuring fast access to support? No more waiting lists and high fees!

The service allows students to register and book appointments on its online platform. Sessions take place virtually on the Dialogue platform, which means that you can see a mental health professional wherever you like, quickly and confidentially. 

1-855-853-0565

Confidential support for to people in emotional crisis, or distress or those close to them. Click below to view lists of helplines from all countries

If you live outside of Canada, this website provides access to more than 70 suicide hotlines around the world.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-273-8255

Provides crisis and suicide support for LGBTQ youth through phone, text, or online chat.

1-866-488-7386

Text START to 678678

Visit McMaster’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) to access inclusive and trauma-informed support, prevention education and response training, and community consultation and referral for any McMaster community member. 

(905) 525–9140 x 20909

Natalie Lafleur, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Sexual Violence Response Case Manager

University Hall (UH) 107
lafleurn@mcmaster.ca
905-525-9140 ext. 20909

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence from all gender identities can access peer support from trained volunteers by visiting Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN).

Email: Wgen@msu.mcmaster.ca 

Free, anonymous and confidential telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.

Provides crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 24/7/365.

Toll-free 24/7: 1-866-863-0511  

Text: 1-866-863-7868   

Provides a safe environment in the community and responds to the needs of individuals, 16 years of age or older, who experience a mental health crisis and do not require a hospital stay. Confidential and free services 24/7/365.

24 Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-7878
Toll Free: 1-844-777-3571

Free, confidential helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365.

1-866-925-5454 or dial 211 and ask to be connected to Good2Talk.

Distress Centre Halton provides telephone and online support to people to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress. Also serves the Hamilton area.

905-849-4541

Confidential, anonymous 24-hour nonjudgmental telephone support for adults who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives; will provide accompaniment to hospital or police station for survivors wishing to seek medical attention or report; counselling services & public education.

24-hour support line: (905) 525-4162 

SACHA Office: (905) 525-4573 

Medical care, supportive counselling, information and referral to community resources

905-521-2100 ext. 73557

As many students do, you may find it challenging to get adequate and affordable mental health support. But did you know that Conversation, a service offered in partnership with Dialogue, helps reduce barriers to care by ensuring fast access to support? No more waiting lists and high fees!

The service allows students to register and book appointments on its online platform. Sessions take place virtually on the Dialogue platform, which means that you can see a mental health professional wherever you like, quickly and confidentially. 

1-855-853-0565

• Available to all undergraduate and graduate students within the Faculty of Engineering
• Convenient and accessible, with no waitlist or intake assessment
• Up to 50 minutes in length, either in person or virtual
• Intended to address your concerns in a single session