We’re proud to share a powerful new partnership between Homewood Health and the University of Guelph’s Department of Athletics, focused on one shared goal: improving mental health outcomes for women in sport.
This collaboration brings together our collective strengths in mental wellness and athletics to create lasting, community-wide impact for student-athletes.
Empowering Student-Athletes Through Movement
For many students, physical activity is more than a pastime—it’s a lifeline. That’s why we’re helping expand the University’s Gryphons Empowered by Movement (GEM) program, which uses the therapeutic benefits of exercise to support students facing mental health challenges. Through this partnership, the GEM program will continue to grow, reaching more students with evidence-based, movement-focused care.
Leveling the Playing Field in Women’s Athletics
Equity in women’s varsity sports is long overdue. That’s why Homewood is stepping up as the first-ever title sponsor for women’s varsity athletics at the University of Guelph. This includes support for the women’s hockey and rugby teams, as well as the She’s Got Game initiative—helping reduce funding gaps in athletic scholarships and championing excellence in women’s sport.
Advancing Research to Support Athletes Nationwide
Together, we’re launching new research initiatives that explore the intersection of mental health and athletics—with the goal of shaping best practices and developing stronger systems of support for student-athletes across Canada.
“This collaboration is a natural synergy—Homewood Health has long championed the mental health benefits of exercise, and U of G Athletics is at the forefront of integrating wellness into student life,” says Dr. Carlos Lalonde, President and Chief of Staff of Homewood Health Centre in Guelph. “By working together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of students, particularly women in athletics, who often face unique mental health challenges.”
Advancing Care. Leading Innovation.
This partnership is a reflection of Homewood’s broader mission: to create meaningful, research-backed solutions that support mental health across communities. By working with forward-thinking partners like the University of Guelph, we’re not just meeting today’s needs—we’re building the future of care.