About Our Supporters

Who are the Peer Wellbeing Supporters?

Our Supporters 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.

Peer Wellbeing Supporters 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 Peer Wellbeing Support. 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.

Peer Wellbeing Support is not the same as counselling. 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 Peer Wellbeing Support?

In line with established practice across universities, you will be supported by two trained Peer Wellbeing Supporters throughout your session.  

You can have a quick 10 minute chat or stay up to an hour - this is the student’s decision.