What is Peer Support?
Peer support is exactly what it sounds like – in a university setting, it is when one student supports another student often bonded by their shared experience at the same institution. Peer support is important as evidence shows that students are more likely to share concerns with a fellow student than they are with a member of university staff. Therefore, having trained Peer Supporters means more students can get the support they need.
Peer Supporters are not mental health professionals and they are not expected to act as such. They are there to listen, to signpost and to escalate concerns when appropriate.
What is Talk Together?
Talk Together is a peer support service that is supported and overseen by Surrey Students Union. The aim of Talk Together is to help create an environment in which Surrey students can thrive and where wellbeing is promoted, supported and celebrated.
Talk Together do this by providing two services:
- 121 Listening Service – Students will be able to have an informal 121 chat with a Talk Together Volunteer. Students are welcome to talk about anything, but common topics may include assessment concerns, loneliness or anxiety. Our Volunteers are not there to give advice as they are not professionals. Volunteers are expected to practice empathetic and active listening. Volunteers are expected to signpost to relevant services and to escalate to SSU where appropriate.
- Student Skills Workshops – Wellbeing relates to all parts of our lives and a key worry students have is being able to succeed at Surrey University. A big part of this is being able to balance their studies with their other commitments like jobs or extracurricular activities. Our Student Skills workshops will be educational and interactive sessions to help students to develop skills and coping strategies to thrive at Surrey University and beyond.
Sessions are run Tuesday evenings 6pm to 8pm.
Volunteers must be able to commit 2 hours per month.
Volunteers must be able to be on campus in-person to fulfil this role.
Talk Together Volunteers will be required to complete the following training:
Peer Support Training – a course developing your skills to run peer-support workshops and 121 conversations
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