We are looking for student volunteers to support fellow students through difficult times and listen with care and empathy
Role
This is unique volunteer post where you will support fellow students through difficult times. You will provide early mental health intervention by supporting and empowering students who are experiencing stress, loneliness or just need someone to talk to. Your role is not to advise or provide solutions, rather, you are to listen with care and empathy and signpost students to appropriate services. You will receive accredited training before the service is launched and will be continuously supported in your role by a member of ENSA staff.
Hours: volunteer as appropriate at ENSA events, for example, campus stalls and Therapets. Will operate on a rotational basis, where you sign up to volunteer at events per your availability.
Reports to: Alice Boyd (ENSA Adviser)
Location: Merchiston Campus
Key Responsibilities
- Complete compulsory training (campus and online based) – see application for details.
- Support students during informal drop-in sessions on a 1:1 basis.
- Listen actively and empathetically to students.
- Where relevant, signpost students to appropriate internal and external services.
- Handle sensitive information and gather data for future improvement of service.
- Recognise potential safeguarding concerns and refer immediately when necessary.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential: At least a year 2 undergraduate (postgraduates welcome)
Desirable: Mental health training with proof of certification/completion.
Experience
Desirable: Previous volunteering experience in the fields of healthcare or education.
Knowledge
Essential: Awareness of key issues impacting students
Desirable: Awareness of internal and external services available to students.
Skills
Essential: Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, with different perspectives.
Attributes
Essential: Respectful, reliable, and discreet. Empathetic and understanding. Kind.
How to Apply
Person Specification | Volunteer Application Form
Applicants should be studying at the University for the full academic year and available until June 2025. Training dates are Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 December.
Submit your completed Application Form to Alice Boyd, a.boyd@napier.ac.uk, by no later than 5pm on Monday 4 November 2024.