Student Listener Applications 25/26
Student Listener Applications 25/26
Role Summary
Student Listeners is a volunteer peer support listening scheme run by students for students. They offer informal and confidential listening support to students at the University of Winchester. The Student Listeners are trained in listening skills by the Samaritans to ensure they have the skills and confidence to offer informal support to their peers.
The scheme is supported by the Students’ Union, The Samaritans, and Winchester Youth Counselling. The Student Listeners are empowered to run the weekly Wellbeing Café to provide students a safe space to take a break for university life.
Full training, supervision, and rewards are provided by the Students’ Union and the Samaritans.
Who are we looking for?
To apply to be a Student Listener, you must be a current student (as of September 2025), we are looking for students from various years and programmes. Beyond this, we'd expect some of the following qualities:
- Good listening and communication skills,
- Be empathetic,
- Have an understanding of wellbeing and the issues that may impact it,
- Be non-judgemental,
- Be open to training and not afraid to ask questions when unsure,
- Have the ability to keep sensitive issues confidential.
What’s in it for me?
As a Student Listener, you’ll have the opportunity to train in listening and communication skills. Whilst a valuable day-to-day life skill, the training and experience may also prove valuable in your future career goals.
You’ll also have the opportunity to plan and lead on Wellbeing Café sessions across the year to support your peers’ wellbeing.
You can also add the scheme to your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) upon completion of one years’ commitment.
Using your HEAR will show your future graduate employer that you have gained a range of important skills by formally recognising your achievements as a Student Listener. You can also share your HEAR with employers and universities when you apply for graduate jobs and/or further study, helping you stand out from the crowd! Please click here to find out more about the HEAR and how to register your activities.
Principle duties and responsibilities
- Work on a rota basis to co-facilitate and lead the student Listeners Wellbeing Café sessions with elected officers and staff members from Winchester Students’ Union
- Provide emotional and listening support to students attending the Student Listeners Wellbeing Café
- Signpost students to internal and external support services where appropriate
- Develop and deliver psycho-educational content for the Wellbeing Café
- Develop and deliver wellbeing activities for the Wellbeing Café
- Support the Students’ Union within the wider work of the Welfare Zone, including the delivery of Recharge Days, University Mental Health Day etc.
- Attend and support at refreshers week and other university events in a wellbeing capacity
- Promote engagement with the Student Listeners scheme
- This list is non-exhaustive and other duties may be required
The closing date for applications is Monday the 29th of September.
Please apply via our application form available at https://winchesterstudentunion.typeform.com/to/QYoxGEiG
If you have any questions, please contact StudentListeners@winchester.ac.uk.
