Meetings and Support

Our 12-Step peer support meetings offer structured, peer-led spaces grounded in 12-Step traditions and spiritual principles, understood in ways that are personal and inclusive. Participants engage in honest self-reflection, shared learning, and connection through listening and storytelling.

We offer two separate meetings to support comfort and safety:

• Student 12-Step Meeting, open to students
• Staff 12-Step Meeting, open to faculty and staff

Each meeting provides a confidential space to support recovery alongside peers with shared experiences. 

Clearing the Haze is a peer-led discussion space for exploring relationships with cannabis, nicotine, and vaping. Open to students, staff, faculty, and alumni at any stage of change, this meeting welcomes curiosity, reflection, and shared learning. The focus is on non-judgmental conversation, self-awareness, and informed choice, rather than abstinence or treatment. 

Create & Connect is a mental health peer support program that brings people together through creativity and conversation. This peer-led space invites participants to slow down, express themselves, and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment. You do not need to be artistic or have prior experience, just come as you are. The focus is on connection, reflection, and wellbeing rather than artistic skill. 

Donuts and Discussions is an open, peer-led conversation about addiction, recovery, and wellbeing. Open to anyone in recovery, seeking recovery, or exploring their relationship with substances or behaviours, this meeting welcomes all pathways and experiences. The focus is on connection, shared understanding, and building community in a supportive and non-judgmental space. 

This topic-based peer support meeting is for students, faculty, staff, and alumni navigating recovery from eating disorders, disordered eating, or challenges related to food, body image, and exercise. Each session focuses on a specific theme and creates space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and connection in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. 

HopeLink is a peer-led grief and loss support space that uses creative expression to help individuals process life changes. Each session offers guided art activities and the option to connect with others in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Created by someone with lived experience, HopeLink welcomes students navigating all forms of loss, including death, relationship changes, health challenges, or identity shifts.   

Men’s Day Wednesday is a peer-led space dedicated to supporting men’s mental health and recovery. This meeting offers a welcoming environment to talk openly about stress, identity, recovery, and wellbeing, alongside others who understand the unique pressures men may face. Participants are invited to share, listen, and connect in a way that feels supportive and respectful. Open to men at any stage of recovery or personal growth. 

This peer support meeting is an evidence-informed recovery method grounded in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that supports people with substance use or process and behaviouraladdictions to build and maintain motivation, cope with urges and cravings, manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and live a balanced life. While not a substitute for professional therapy, the meeting aims to normalize experiences and build connections among students, staff and faculty at the University of Calgary.   

Unplugged is a co-created, tech-free peer support space focused on presence and connection. This meeting invites participants to step away from screens and engage in meaningful conversation with others in a calm, supportive setting. Activities and discussions are guided by the group and centre around wellbeing, balance, and community. Open to anyone seeking connection, grounding, or a break from digital overload. 

Unwind Your Mind is a mindfulness-based peer support meeting grounded in Buddhist-inspired practices without religious affiliation. This peer-led space invites students and staff to explore recovery through reflection, meditation, and shared experience. No prior experience is needed. The focus is on self-awareness, resilience, and connection in a calm and welcoming environment. 

Wellbriety is a peer-led recovery meeting rooted in Indigenous teachings and holistic wellness. Drawing from Native American cultural wisdom and the 12-Step framework, the meeting centers balance, connection, and healing through practices such as sharing circles and the Medicine Wheel. Wllbriety supports individuals and communities impacted by addiction and intergenerational trauma, while honouring cultural identity, spirituality, and collective strength.