University of Oxford Peer Support Programme Slide 2 Hospice de
Bictre Drawing by T. Nash, engraved by Miss Byrne, c. 1830 Slide 3
First formalised peer support training based on a manual created by
Barbara Varenhorst Slide 4 Oxford University Peer Support Programme
Slide 5 Support helps us to bear the weight of our experiences,
providing a steadying base from which we can more confidently
venture into life. Slide 6 When we enter the world our need for
connection is driven by our need to survive Slide 7 Slide 8 Slide 9
Slide 10 10 Slide 11 The focus of Oxford Universitys Peer Support
Programme is primarily on the emotional and psychosocial experience
of students. The fact that emotions are recognised and spoken
about, and an acknowledgement that we all need support at some
point, underpins the role of peer support in reducing the stigma of
seeking help. Slide 12 The Peer Support Programme began in 1990, in
response to the stated needs of staff and students in welfare
positions and pastoral roles In 2002, a University Review
recognised the value of the programme, especially in the front-line
provision that trained peer supporters offer to their peers The
review recognised that the Peer Support Programme is an integral
part of the support and guidance system within the University There
are currently 35 colleges involved and the Medical and Business
Schools. We also run an annual Junior Dean training. Approximately
220 students are trained each year There are approximately 350
trained peer supporters at Oxford at any given time Slide 13
Important to run a formalised peer support programme one that is
well-defined, with training and supervision, and which provides a
clear and safe welfare networkto enhance and complement existing
welfare networks We provide 30 hours of training that covers the
following topics: confidentiality, getting to know a stranger,
welcoming and unwelcoming behaviours, effective questioning, active
listening vs. advice-giving, assertive communication, families,
cultural awareness, working with people in crisis, suicide
prevention education, referrals, limit setting and self-care and
compassion. 13 Slide 14 Experiential and skill based Positive,
non-judgmental environment Skill practice Use of own material to
enhance deeper meaning Supportive listening is other focused 14
Slide 15 Peer Support Fosters Community Peer Supporters make it
clear that they are fellow students with training, not counsellors,
thereby emphasizing the equality inherent in peer support The aim
of peer support in the community is to complement existing welfare
support that exists, and to enable students to connect to other
students in a meaningful way Peer support plays a key role in
developing and enacting ways to help students to increase their
sense of belonging, a crucial aspect of how students experience
university as a whole The impact of having trained peer supporters
who are aware of the issues new students face, as well as potential
trigger points related to other makes the university an easier
place to navigate and belong to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfCxATm-1Yc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfCxATm-1Yc Slide 16 16 FOR EXAMPLE:
NOTICING SOMEONE ON THE EDGE OF THE GROUP AND MOVING TO LET THEM IN
SAYING HI TO PEOPLE THEY WOULDNT OTHERWISE SPEAK TO BEING ASSERTIVE
AND EXPRESSING THEMSELVES CLEARLY STOPPING AFTER ASKING SOMEONE,
HOWS IT GOING? LISTENING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY BEING KIND AND
COMPASSIONATE Slide 17 Slide 18 Sharing is not a weakness. Seeking
support is not self- indulgent. Slide 19 It takes courage to reveal
ourselves to another person To have hope To believe someone wants
to see and hear us That we all have vulnerabilities To be
compassionate to ourselves and others, to see with a compassionate
eye We are not alone
