Introducing the Drop In Centre- the Students' Union's new mental health and wellbeing support system. The Drop In Centre offers peer support, so it is important to note that the Centre is not a professional counselling or therapy service. It is a safe place for you to come and talk to someone about how you're feeling, and any issues you may be experiencing.

Volunteers

Volunteers will give peer support to students that visit the Drop In Centre and can also signpost students to the University’s Wellbeing service, other support services within the Students’ Union, and external support services.

Volunteers will be expected to keep an updated rota/shift calendar; this will help to identify if the Drop In Centre can be open or closed, due to volunteer availability. Volunteers will also be expected to give feedback to the Students’ Union, to help in measuring the impact of the Drop In Centre.

If you’re interested in being a volunteer for the Drop In Centre, you can apply here. All volunteers will receive training before starting at the Drop In Centre. The training is compulsory, as you will learn skills such as listening, conversation starters and stoppers, signposting, safeguarding etc. The volunteer positions are open to all students, no matter of past experience or course.

Visitors to the Drop In Centre

The Drop In Centre is designed so students don’t need to make an appointment to see the volunteers, simply pop in for a chat. It can be difficult to pluck up the courage to open up to someone, however our volunteers are students just like yourself. If you struggle to talk to your friends or flatmates about mental health for example, the volunteers can be an alternative.

The Drop In Centre will be opening in February, so keep an eye out for more details!