Several students sit on the steps to Middlesex College.

Parr Centre for Thriving

Parr Centre for Thriving

Several students sit on the steps to Middlesex College.

Parr Centre for Thriving

The Parr Centre for Thriving advances student mental health and well-being at Western by bringing together students, faculty, staff and campus partners to support collaborative, innovative and evidence-informed approaches to student thriving. Through investments in high impact projects and initiatives, the Parr Centre helps strengthen students’ sense of belonging and well-being while fostering a thriving campus community.

Goals for the Parr Centre

  • Create and foster a community of practice, bringing together individuals and units at the University involved in student mental health;
  • Innovate, test, measure and evolve high-priority, impactful initiatives across the University to support student mental health;
  • Advance the University’s leadership and impact in addressing student mental health;
  • Provide flexibility to respond to changing student needs over time; and
  • Raise awareness of the need for investment in student mental health and provide a platform to attract additional donors to student mental health initiatives at the University.

Impact in Action

Peer 2 Peer Wellness Program

Move Your Mood

Redesigning First-Year Classes

What's Next for the Parr Centre for Thriving

2026-2027 Projects

This initiative focuses on the development of a campus-wide suicide alertness training program that increases the ability of student leaders and staff to recognize signs related tothoughts of suicide, engage in supportive conversations, and connect students to timely, appropriate supports and resources. The training offers a resource that is relevant, thoughtfully developed, and responsive to the complex realities students and staff may encounter when supporting others in distress. This project will strengthen early identification, reduce stigma, and increase confidence in responding to suicide-related concerns across campus.

The Peer 2 Peer (P2P) Wellness Program provides students with practical strategies to support their mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being through peer-led outreach. Through in-class presentations, campus events, and student engagement activities, trained Peer Wellness Leaders share foundational wellness skills, promote harm reduction approaches, and connect students to available supports. Aligned with Western's Student Experience Strategic Plan and the stepped care model, this program represents a low-barrier, preventative level of care focused on awareness, skill building, and early support. Following a successful first-year, Parr Centre funds will support furthertesting and expansion of the program to more students with the goal to be sustainable by 2028.

The Parent/Caregiver Transition Support program recognizes parents and caregivers as critical partners in supporting student's transition to university and aims to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to support first-year success. By reducing financial barriers and ensuring equitable access to Western Launch programming, the initiative helps families build understanding of academic expectations, campus resources, and student well-being. Investing in parent and caregiver engagement enhances student's sense of preparedness, belonging, and confidence, and contributes to a smoother transition and stronger first-year outcomes

Mustangs Move is a shared Sports and Recreation initiative built on the idea that movement creates connection, and connection supports well-being. The program integrates varsity student-athletes as peer leaders, wellness-informed recreation staff, and inclusive, low barrier programming that emphasizes participation, stress relief, and community. Through this connected model, student leaders help normalize conversations about well-being, encourage participation, and connect peers to supports. Within this shared model, student leaders, recreation staff, and inclusive programming work in tandem to create stronger pathways to belonging and support across campus. Parr Centre funds will support the development of this new initiative.