Peer support service team sitting in chairs

 

It’s the beginning of a new academic year, and as always for most students, it brings a combination of excitement and apprehension.

Beginning a new year at university can be difficult and often stressful no matter what year you’re in. Starting new classes moving away from home, finding new accommodation, meeting new people, finding your way around campus; it can all feel a bit much.

This is where the Peer Wellbeing Support Service comes in.

No Problem is too Small

This university-based organisation is led by students and trainers who are passionate about mental health and human connection, offering free and confidential sessions to anyone who is struggling. Peer Supporters are all students who have been intensively trained to listen compassionately: no problem is too small, and no emotion is too trivial. 

At its very core, Peer Wellbeing Support is about reaching out and making sure that young people feel less alone in their struggles, something that is now more important than ever. 

Peer Supporters are not trained psychologists, but they are always willing to listen and be there for you. If you need extra help, they will signpost you to someone who can provide that assistance. If you feel alone, please don’t hesitate to sign up for a session. All the information can be found on the website. 

Would you like to be a Peer Supporter

If, on the other hand, you feel passionate about these same issues and want to learn how to be a supporter, then the Peer Wellbeing Support service welcomes you with open arms. You don’t need any qualifications, just an open mind and a genuine interest in committing yourself to the service.

The training takes place during the semester and, though challenging at times, it is extremely rewarding. Here are some comments from Peer Supporters about their experiences:

If, on the other hand, you feel passionate about these same issues and want to learn how to be a supporter, then the Peer Wellbeing Support service welcomes you with open arms.

You don’t need any qualifications, just an open mind and a genuine interest in committing yourself to the service. The training takes place during the semester and, though challenging at times, it is extremely rewarding.

Peer Supporters Talk about their Experiences

“Training to be a Peer Supporter has given me a wonderful opportunity to learn how to listen actively, and how to be kinder towards others and myself. Getting to help other students with this knowledge is a privilege.” - Leda

“As a supporter, I have realised that this service is extremely useful for students, as it's very clear to see that they really appreciate having someone to truly listen to whatever is on their mind. I believe that this gratitude comes from being given the opportunity to explain and express their points of view on chosen topics. This in turn helps them organise their own thoughts and maybe see their issue from a new perspective, which can really make a great difference in finding a potential solution for their worries, or even just to feel understood. I think that university can be stressful, difficult or confusing for everyone at times, so having a professional and easily accessible service where we can all feel safe to speak out, like PWS, is a really great opportunity.” - Maja

“I think the Peer Support service is an asset to the university. I have been a part of the service for about two years now and in that time, I think I have developed some amazing skills. It’s also feels very fulfilling when a contact has stated that a session has helped them. The people that do Peer Support do genuinely care about those who use the service, and we want everyone to receive the right support. If we feel we can’t meet those needs, we will signpost you to someone who can. No issue is too small so if you need help with anything just sign up to a session and we’ll be happy to help!” – Paul

Peer Wellbeing Support Service 

Apply to be a Peer Wellbeing Support Volunteer

First published: 16 September 2021

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