Peer Support

Feeling anxious or intimidated? Problems with your supervisor? In need of a listening ear?

This Hilary Term 2020 we will once again run the peer support programme in the mathematics department, mimicking the peer support available in the colleges but geared towards issues of mathematics graduate students. A PhD can be a stressful and emotional period, and the peer support programme offers an easily accessible and relatively informal opportunity to talk through issues which may be concerning you, related to your PhD or not. Sometimes talking things through to get them off your chest is enough; sometimes it may lead you to seek more professional help. The peer supporters are fellow graduate students who have received training to listen effectively, maintain confidentiality, communicate sensitively, respect boundaries and recognise when and how to encourage referral to professional support services, such as departmental welfare, your GP or the University Counselling Service. They are there to provide a listening ear and may refer you in the right direction, but they do not seek or provide solutions.

If you feel would like to speak to one of the peer supporters, please come by one of our drop-in sessions (Friday 3-4 in weeks 5 and 7 of term (room S0.29)), or send an email to @email in order to make an appointment.