Who are Student Listeners?
Our Student Listeners are students who have been recruited and received 27 hours of specialised, evidence-based training by qualified counsellors/psychotherapists to equip them for the role.
Student Listeners are trained to assist students who are experiencing mild mental health issues and/or with issues such as:
- anxiety
- stress
- isolation and/or loneliness
- making friends
- dealing with change
- relationship problems
- homesickness
- financial stress
- academic concerns
There is no issue too small for Student Listeners. We all have mental health and we all need help from time to time. Opening up and talking to someone is one of the most effective ways to keep good mental health and can stop your problems becoming overwhelming. Supporters are there to listen and help you explore how you are feeling with empathy and without judgement. They will not tell you what to do. The benefit of speaking with trained, fellow students is the understanding of shared experiences.
Student Listeners are not the same as counsellors. A student may use the service if they were feeling more worried, anxious, stressed or sad than normal. If your symptoms are becoming unmanageable and are having an impact on your ability to function, then you can access specialised support via the university’s counselling service or through your GP.
What can I expect from accessing Student Listeners?
In line with established practice across universities, you will be supported by two trained Student Listeners throughout your session.
You can have a quick 10 minute chat or stay up to an hour - this is the student’s decision.