The Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) hosted its monthly drop-in self-care day on Feb. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. in 537 University Centre. This offered students, staff and faculty a space to step away from daily pressures and focus on personal well-being.

The drop-in event was structured as an open house, which allowed attendees to come and go as their schedules permitted.

There was a table set with snacks, colouring materials, bracelet-making supplies and button-making equipment, creating a low-barrier environment for creativity.

Sharlaine Glowatsky, SVRC confidential intake and triage specialist, explained that the initiative was first introduced in July 2025 when many of the community members were processing the outcomes of a high-profile sexual assault case.

“When the Hockey Canada court ruling was happening […] it happened to coincide with the international self-care day,” she stated. “We decided for that month, for that particular event, we want to make space for folks who might be impacted by however that court ruling ended up happening, and just let folks know that we care about them and support them.”

Following the initial event, organizers chose to continue the program on a monthly basis beginning September 2025. The gathering is typically scheduled for the third Thursday of each month.

“We open up our space for folks to come sit, hang out, relax […] just as a way to care for themselves on a monthly basis.”

While the drop-in self-care day is currently the centre’s only recurring wellness-focused event, SVRC has various events that include education and direct support.

Workshops offered throughout the year address topics such as healthy relationships and responding to sexual violence. The centre also facilitates men in dialogue groups, which allows a monthly opportunity for men and gender diverse individuals to discuss specific themes in a guided and respectful setting.

Beyond programming, the centre provides confidential intake and triage services to members of the university.

Glowatsky emphasized that individuals do not need to be certain that their situation falls into sexual violence in order to reach out.

“Our centre is open [and] available to all students and staff and faculty,” Glowatsky explained.

SVRC operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with designated drop-in hours throughout the week.

Community members can contact the centre by phone at 204-474-6562, or by email at [email protected].