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Opportunity Details

Strathclyde Students' Union

Strathclyde Students' Union logo

Strath Union is an organisation dedicated to supporting students throughout their years at university and beyond.

Hear to Listen Volunteer

This opportunity is ongoing, with no end date. Closing date for applications is 26 Feb.

Hear to Listen is a peer-to-peer wellbeing support service, aimed at connecting students at Strathclyde to form a nurturing community where everyone feels valued and welcomed. As a volunteer on this project, you will help provide a safe space, a friendly face and a listening ear to fellow students.

Your role 

Listeners will support students at drop-in sessions in the Campus Living Room on level 1, at 12-2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on alternate weeks. There will also be occasional Listening Corner rotating around various locations on campus including the library and student accommodation. Outside of regular session times, Hear to Listen also has a presence at several Union events throughout the year, where volunteers will have the chance to speak to students about the project, the support available, and how to get involved.

 

Your tasks will include:

  • Actively engaging with students and establishing a friendly relationship with them  
  • Providing information and signposting them to specific support services at Strathclyde if needed  
  • Listening to students, and if appropriate, sharing your own experiences about life at university
  • Delivering activities aiming to create welcoming atmosphere and a culture of kindness on campus
  • Being an advocate for Hear to Listen during various Strath Union events and awareness day campaigns such as Freshers’ Fair and World Mental Health Day

 

Personal specifications  

This volunteering role is open to all students at Strathclyde who are interested in promoting the wellbeing of others. You will not be an advisor or a counsellor, but simply a listener who is focused on the needs of whoever you come into contact with. As a Listener you will need to be:  

  • Friendly and welcoming  
  • Sensitive to, and keep focused on the needs of others
  • Empathetic, courteous and personable when offering support
  • Non-judgmental and respectful of people from different backgrounds to your own
  • Discreet and able to maintain confidentiality

 

Your time  

 

You must be available to attend the training for the role on Monday 3rd March at 5-8pm. We would then ask you to be able to commit to a minimum of one 2-hour session each month. If you have any questions about the time commitment or anything else to do with the role please email strathunion.volunteers@strath.ac.uk

Deadline to apply is Wednesday 26th February.

Benefits to self

- Developing your skills in active listening - Meeting other students and expanding your network - Gaining experience in peer-support - Learning more about support and opportunities available at the University - Access to volunteer rewards and recognition from the Union

Benefits to others

- Supporting the wellbeing of the student body at Strathclyde - Creating great experiences for students

Location

On campus

Training available

You will be required to attend a 3 hour training session prior to starting your role. The training takes place on Monday 3rd March at 5-8pm in the Union. In addition there will be additional optional opportunities throughout the year.

PVG required

No

Support and supervision details

You will be supported by Volunteering Coordinator and other Strath Union staff. On shift, you will also be supported by other volunteers.
  • TypeHealth and Wellbeing, Mental Health, On-Campus, Peer Support, Student Community

Employability skills

  • Leadership 0
  • Professional 0
  • Personal Development 0

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