Information for Staff
Peer Wellbeing Support (PWS) exists for students to support their peers with the many issues which they may face throughout university life. It allows students to access a non-judgemental and confidential listening service. The supporters are recruited, trained, and supervised by PWS staff who are all qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
We are building on academic evidence and the success of peer support programmes elsewhere in the sector, including evaluation throughout the process. Following an increase in supporting evidence of effectiveness, several universities in the UK, such as Oxford University, London School of Economics, and the University of Edinburgh, now have various forms of peer support.
Peer supporters are organised into groups according to college of study (as well as an additional group for GUSA). Students can book through any college based on preference and/or availability during term time.
Students can find all relevant information about Peer Wellbeing Support on our webpage. If a student would like to book an appointment with a Peer Wellbeing Supporter, please signpost them to our booking page.
This service is not counselling and nor do the supporters receive a mental health qualification. If students are experiencing anything more than mild mental health issues, for example if their problems are affecting their daily life or they have a diagnosed mental health issue, then they should be advised to seek support through Counselling and Psychological Services.
Contact us
Please get in touch if you are a staff member who has a query about PWS. We are happy to meet with staff or deliver presentations about our service.
Email us at: studentpeersupport@glasgow.ac.uk
Additional Information
PWS is part of the university’s mental health strategy. It is an early intervention listening service for common problems such as stress, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, making friends, relationship problems, homesickness, academic concerns etc.
Our service reflects the strategic objectives of the wider directorate of Student and Academic services specifically by contributing to the creation of 'effective learning communities (that develop students’ sense of belonging and support networks) and by 'maintaining student wellbeing (to ensure students have the confidence and ability to focus on their studies to develop skills and experience (to ensure students are ready for the next steps in their lives and careers) '