New helpline launches for students at University of Gloucestershire
It's run by students - for students
A new helpline has been launched for students at the University of Gloucestershire.
Glos Night Line provides students advice and support with a range of issues like mental health, loneliness and academic stress.
It's been launched by students, for students, with it hoped they will be able to provide advice based on their own lived experience.
Steve Richards, mature student and chairman of the service said: "It's run overnight for students who need someone to turn to when other services on campus have closed for the day.
The training is provided to the student by myself and someone else who are ex-Samaritans, so we have that background of knowing how to talk to people who are in difficult situations.
"We aren't trained therapists or councellors but the people behind the phones are those with the experience of being a student. They just have a lot of extra information in front of them too."
The service is still in its early days and currently operates on a Wednesday and Thursday from 8pm to 8am.
There are ambitious plans to add additional nights once more volunteers join to take calls.
Other expansion plans include creating an instant messaging service for those who don't feel comfortable speaking on the phone.
Richard added: "We offer advice to anyone about anything.
"But we do anticipate to get calls from people about the transition of learning and being at home during the pandemic to now being on campus, at parties and in large crowds.
"So we are here ready to help anyone."
The get in touch with the helpline call 01242 714 777.