Students Union provide mentoring training sessions to students with the NSPCC

SERC students attended a unique training session with the NSPCC at the SPACE Campus in Bangor to demonstrate the protocols of student mentorship. The event was co-ordinated by the SERCSU.  

The training consisted of a wide variety of engaging tasks, including listing the hopes and fears of the students in being mentors along with performing mentor and mentee role-plays. These role-plays showcased what qualities and skills make a good mentor and how body language and choice of words can impact a mentee.   The student mentoring programme was developed because of student feedback from last year’s mental health campaign ‘You in Mind’.

Some students felt that they would feel more willing to talk to someone who is going through the same things as them and of a similar age. The mentors have been trained by the NSPCC to use their ability to empathise with other young people in the College to understand their feelings and offer appropriate support.  

Student Affairs Officer Sonya Nelson said, “The session highlighted that student mentors are there to listen and signpost students to the relevant support services within the College if it is appropriate to do so. The student mentor has a role of encouraging their peer to talk about their issues in a safe environment.”  

Sonya added, “It is with great delight that we are able to facilitate these services to students after listening to their concerns previously. We realise how important it is to support the student during what can be challenging times for them.”  

If you would like to talk to one of our student mentors please contact: studentsunion@serc.ac.uk