The Peer Support Centre: What “We’re here to listen” Really Means
Your questions — answered.
We put out a poll on our Instagram and in the “Arts Student Updates” newsletter asking which campus support you would like to see us profile. The Peer Support Centre was the resource of choice.
So I sat down with Devin, Peer Support Centre Program Lead, and asked your questions. Here’s what she had to say.
What is the Peer Support Centre? What do you guys do? How can you help?
The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a free and confidential Students’ Union service. It is mostly volunteer run with 60–75 volunteers, plus two student staff in addition to myself. We are a supportive listening service which means we provide a safe space for anyone in the campus community to share whatever it is they are going through.
Being on campus, we hear lots about the stresses of school and graduating. But we also hear a lot about loneliness, grief, loss, suicidal thoughts, relationship loss (partner, friend, family), and so on. With COVID, we also hear a lot about job loss, student or family illness, fewer coping strategies being available (ex. like gyms being closed), and parts of everyday life. Again, we are a safe space for whatever you are going through. We are here to listen and provide a space for you to share your story.
The next part is that we work with you to outline steps you want to take. We support you in coming up with a plan to overcome your struggles. So whether you leave after a single conversation, or come back in a few months, or want to be connected with other resources on campus or in the community to develop coping strategies, we are here to listen and support you.
Can you take me through the process of how students can access the Peer Support Centre from start to finish?
Like most places, we have had to transition our services online. Normally, you can find our physical space on the second floor of SUB in the same hallway as the Sexual Assault Centre (2–707 Students’ Union Building, University of Alberta north campus). Prior to COVID (and hopefully again soon), you could come to the centre to be greeted by one of our welcoming volunteers, and — if you would like — ask to speak to someone privately. Then you go into a small room with comfy chairs and soft lighting.
Right now because of COVID, we are doing all this virtually. We have a Zoom drop-in space and the meeting code can be found on our on website and social media. (For people that don’t like drop in, we have a calendar for you to book an appointment.) You enter the Zoom waiting room and a volunteer will let you in. Then they send you a private link to join a one-on-one conversation with one of our other volunteers. Once you are in the session (virtually), this volunteer will go over what we do and our confidentiality policy. You’ll have a good understanding of how we do what we do, and the limits of our service. Then they ask “What brings you in today?”
What is confidentiality to the PSC?
Our service is completely confidential. The only time that what you discuss leaves the space of the conversation is if the conversation presents a potential emergency situation. In this case, our volunteers will use their training and follow the appropriate steps.
We also have a no self-disclosure policy, which means, our volunteers don’t share things about their personal lives. Our view is that if we share, it can take away from the space we are providing someone else to share their story. The session is meant to be all about you. But we can weigh your options with you. A common topic is whether or not someone should drop a class. We ask what the choices look like for you. What’s the best case, worst case, what are the steps? We have a full conversation about that. However, if I had dropped a class I wouldn’t share that, because it’s taking away from your issue and your story.
What are some lesser-known facts or misconceptions about the Peer Support Centre?
One myth about the PSC is that because we are not counselors or psychologists or therapists, you shouldn’t bother coming if you want to access these professionals and their services. The process of finding support can be challenging, so I like to think we can be a stepping stone. Especially for people that are unsure about what steps they want to take, or to talk about the issue for the first time. That’s a great use for our service. If there is someone you can’t talk to, or you’re embarrassed and bottling it up, talk to our volunteers. We are hear to listen and can possibly help you see the issue in a different way. It can be easier to talk to someone who is not a professional but still has training to assist you. Someone like a peer who is part of the campus community. We are a low-barrier resource and we can connect you to further support.
Another myth about the PSC is that we give advice. We often hear “I want someone to tell me what to do.” Rather than coming up with the solutions for you, we help you come to the decision that’s right for you. If we offer advice without knowing the person or what their story is, it may not be helpful in the long run.
And, we don’t compare stories. We hear “what other people are going through is worse”, but one of our mottos is no issue is too big or too small. We really mean that. If it’s bothering you, it’s worth talking about.
If a student doesn’t want to go to the Peer Support Centre (for whatever reason), what other resources do you recommend?
Unitea is a great one. They are also trained volunteers. They sit down privately for tea times and they also do collective tea times. Making a connection and building community can really be helpful.
We also recommend The Edmonton Distress Line in a crisis. You can call 780–482-HELP (4357) or online chat them from their website (whatever you are more comfortable with). There is so much benefit in talking to another person.
Student groups are also a great way to find community. People are being really creative in building community virtually (webinars, workshops, and events) which is amazing.
Lastly, self-care. Self-care is so personal and takes a few tries to find what works for you. It’s okay if you are not okay, and reminding yourself of that can be helpful. A bad day or week is not permanent. Sometimes you need to sit in those feelings. Or address them. Or extract yourself. We encourage you to find what brings you happiness, peace, joy, or love. It’s nice to have a few different options, like having things to do by yourself at any time or things to do with other people. It’s not one size fits all so try different things. I recommend taking a holistic approach — physical care, sleep, food, and moving your body are also very important. I don’t want to say anything specific like take a bath or do a face mask because that may not work for everyone.
If students wanted to become a Peer Support Centre volunteer, how do they do that? Where can they learn more?
Volunteer applications are open right now until May 16, 2021. There is plenty of time to apply.
There are a few steps. First, fill out the online form and answer general questions (like how comfortable are you dealing with issues). Then there’s a group interview, followed up by a one-on-one interview. If you are selected to be a volunteer, there is training that happens throughout August. You can see these dates are on our website. Training consists of online lectures, group activities, and online modules (self-paced).
It is a large commitment. There are a couple of things that go outside of volunteering, like shift room time, and internal community building, monthly development, and community outreach. Other volunteers have said it’s like taking an extra class. We get asked if volunteers need previous experience. Our answer is that we are looking for volunteers to have non-judgmental compassionate attitudes, to be open to feedback, to be community-minded, and want to support others.
Anything else students should know?
Our hours are Monday through Friday. Appointments can be booked from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and drop-in is available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note that during spring and summer terms we operate with reduced hours.
We are a year into the pandemic and school is one of the most challenging things (and it’s expensive). Plus the stress of the pandemic shifting everything online, job losses, social issues and injustices… This year has really highlighted that we all have capacity to do amazing work for each other and the community. But remember we need to care for ourselves to care for others!
Bonus: What is some advice you would like to give students for this upcoming exam season?
Ughhh. Advice is something we don’t do, lol. All I will say is keep in mind that your grades and GPA don’t define your worth as a person. Be sure to take care of yourself.
Where can I stay up to date with the PSC?
- Instagram: @pscualberta
- Website: www.uasu.ca/psc
Interview edited for length and clarity.
Author bios: This article was written by Nathaniel Haile and edited by Joanna Manchur. Nathaniel is BA student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Economics with a double minor in International Studies and Philosophy and is currently on an AWE placement working for the Faculty of Arts as the Student Recruitment, Engagement & Communications Intern. Joanna is the Student Engagement & Communications Specialist for UAlberta Faculty of Arts, and proud Arts grad — ’02 BA Hons.
