Welcome to Thrive!
Thrive is a series of fun events and programs focused on mental health, wellness and community building. Led by students, it’s all about connecting, sharing info and helping you thrive during your time at university.
Join us and let’s make your student experience amazing!
Join us throughout this Spring semester 2026 for a season of meaningful events focused on mental health, connection, and awareness:
Jan 20 | First day of the Wellness Peer Program
Find the program at the Nanaimo Library, in the Madrona room and the Wellness Lounge. Stay for a couple of minutes or hours to connect with wellness peers and check out all we have to offer: fidgets, resources, hot beverages, therapy dogs, and more! Learn more about Spring Semester 2026 Wellness Peers hours.
Jan 21 | Bell Let's Talk Day
Bell Let's Talk is a reminder that mental health impacts all of us, so every conversation helps break stigma and build connection. Join us in showing support and talking about mental health. At the event you'll find: Toques, Stress balls, refreshments, open and supportive conversations and more! Learn more about Bell Let's Talk Day.
Jan 30 | SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Workshop
SafeTALK is a four-hour training in suicide alertness. Take this session to learn how to help someone who is thinking about suicide. Open to VIU students and employees. Registration is available through the Register for Safe Talk
Feb 19-20 | ASIST Suicide Prevention Workshop
A two-day applied training in suicide intervention. This session will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide suicide first aid. Open to VIU students and employees. Registration is available through the Register for ASIST
Follow @viuthrive on Instagram for more details, updates, and how to get involved in each event.
Let’s build a healthier, more connected campus together.
Preventing sexualized violence on campus
Safer Campuses for Everyone
Tuition prize!
Let's continue our conversation about consent, as we all have a role in creating a safe and inclusive environment.
Created by BC Campus, the "Safer Campuses for Everyone" course covers the importance of consent in all types of relationships. It offers guidance and resources related to preventing sexual violence.
Want a chance to win $500 tuition credit?
Just follow these steps:
- Log in to your VIU Learn account
- Register to the course
- Complete the course before Oct 31
- Email your completion to thrive@viu.ca to be entered into the draw
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was first launched in 2003 on the 10th of September by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) with the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year has been designated as a way of focusing attention on the problems of suicide worldwide.
The purpose of having events and programs around this date is to destigmatize conversations about suicide by creating a space where people can connect and share with others who have experienced various forms suicidality.
Join Thrive events and programs to learn more about this preventive campaign and contribute to build a safer community around campus.
For immediate support, call or text 9.8.8 Suicide Crisis Help Line, available 24/7.
or the Vancouver Island Crisis line 1.888.494.3888
The following discusses the topic of suicide.
