Being a guiding light: Connecting and Peer Support

The aim of the project

The project aim is to provide University-wide early intervention support, where trained students will map out support needs for peers when they are experiencing distress, need help to adjust to university life and find suitable opportunities to feel part of University life. 

During the course students will take part in a 30-hour training consisting of a wide range of transferable skills  i.e. listening skills, communication skills and understanding of how to relate to others. The training aims to help students think about independence and interdependence, time management, boundary setting, assertiveness and self-awareness. Each session is mandatory, being interactive and practice-orientated with regular attendance is essential for group consistency, building group trust and to help to establish confidentiality. Students will use their new skills to create  student-centered social activities to support the needs of international students.