Better Mates
Better Mates at University is a program (and series of workshops) designed to educate and empower students to be better peer supporters to their colleagues at university, to curb emotional issues sooner and develop emotional resilience throughout the broader student community.
By equipping students with practical tools to proactively support their colleagues, this relieves the pressure on existing counselling and psychological services and frees up more time to be spent with each student in appointments.
Real Stories at University
Real Stories at University is a program (and series of workshops) designed to raise awareness of diverse lived experience, smashing stigma and highlighting elements of strength, resilience, and learning which encourage students to overcome their challenges and ask for help when they need it. These workshops are tailored to key themes which have emerged in the student community (e.g. social and performance anxiety, work-study-life balance, navigating intimate relationships, etc.)
Students will walk away with:
Practical tools to implement when supporting their peers
A deeper understanding of how to hold space for others
Awareness of any unconscious biases or judgement they may have
Knowledge of how to approach each conversation with an open heart and mind
Self-care techniques they can implement to fill up their cup
Empathy & active listening to initiate compassionate conversations
understanding
A deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities which make up the particular challenge discussed and how it impacts mental health
Knowledge
Knowledge of strengths-based approaches they can implement to tackle the issues they may be facing
Awareness
Awareness of prevalent challenges facing other students and steps they can take to support their peers
Confidence
Confidence knowing it’s okay to be vulnerable and to ask for help