The 2025 Brock Wellness Fair gave students the chance to explore a wide range of services, supports and community spaces available both on and off campus. From volunteer initiatives and interfaith opportunities to a variety of mental health supports and athletics, the fair displayed a growing list of opportunities for students to take care of themselves, connect with others and make Brock feel like home.
At the Faith and Life Center, inclusion and community are paramount. Located within one of Brock’s most beautiful buildings — one that also happens to overlook the escarpment — the Faith and Life Centre provides a welcoming multi-faith space for prayer, meditation or stillness. Offering interfaith conversations, mentorship and spiritual guidance, the centre is the meeting place for all sorts of student clubs — religious or otherwise — while also functioning as a quiet drop-in study space. No matter the reason for your visit to the Faith and Life Centre, you’ll be greeted with respect, curiosity and inclusion.
For Indigenous students, the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre offers cultural, social and academic support. Nestled in the back corner of Market Hall, Hadiya’dagénhahs provides a safe quiet space to study while also offering access to elders; cultural workshops and luncheons; traditional medicines; and smudging. The Centre also has a complementary coffee bar, snacks and pantry items. The Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre is available to all students, with special programming provided for Indigenous students who self-identify.
Brock’s Student Affairs team serves to support students with various challenges and pressures they may face. New to this initiative is the Campus Assessment, Response, Education (CARE) and Connect Team. Using a holistic approach. Care and Connect matches students with appropriate services on an individual basis. Students struggling with grief, academic concerns, personal health, financial pressures and more can connect with the care team or submit a form to connect a friend in need. The team is made up of experts in crisis management with the goal of supporting you in your academic and personal success.
Through the Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON), students can access individual and group counselling services as well as day treatment programs. Their youth addiction team works with individuals up to and including 25 years of age, providing peer support counselling and recovery focused outreach. CASON also offers community addiction services for families and adults.
With the Ontario Structured Physiotherapy Program (OSP), students can access free cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) outside of Brock. OSP offers CBT to Ontarians 18 or older and can help students to treat and manage a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks. The program is funded by the provincial government and free to access for anyone living in Ontario.
Brock Cares and the Student Life and Success team work to help students further connect with their communities. Offering volunteer programming with monthly opportunities that include transportation and a team ready to help you make the most of your volunteer experience in your future career. Students can also join the Volunteer Association and log over 20 service hours per year or take part in the Alternative Reading Week program which blends your time off with community involvement and meaningful connections.
Wellness also extends into recreation. Brock’s recreation facilities offer renowned services like The Zone, a state-of-the-art gym, and opportunities for students to get active. Intramurals offer a chance to make new friends and engage in some friendly competition. Feeling bored at home or in your dorm? Why not go to a Brock sports home game. Seasons for basketball, hockey, soccer and rugby are all taking place right now and live games offer a chance to be immersed in Brock Badger spirit.
Altogether, the Wellness Fair highlighted the many opportunities and pathways there are for students to balance academics with community, wellness and growth. For anyone struggling, or supporting a friend who is, these services can serve as lifelines. For those simply looking to get more involved, the Wellness Fair offers a reminder that university is more than classes and assignments; it’s about finding connection and purpose with countless opportunities to support your wellbeing.