To help us mark University Mental Health Day, Saoirse Brennan, an RGU: Nightline Coordinator writes about student mental health, the importance of seeking help and the motto of the RGU: Nightline service.

One in four students suffer from mental health problems. Over the recent years, attitudes surrounding mental health have begun to change within society. People are beginning to speak more openly about mental health on a wider scale. However, there is still a long way to go to create an environment in which people feel comfortable speaking up and reaching out for support when they need it.

What is the RGU: Nightline?

RGU: Nightline is a student-led, peer-to-peer listening service here to support fellow students in their time of need outside of university academic hours. We are here to let you know that you are not alone if you are struggling and that it is okay to ask for help.

What do we do?

Our motto is “Here to listen, not lecture”. We do not advise or judge, we are simply here to provide a listening ear and support you through whatever you would like to talk about. Our service is completely confidential and anonymous. Callers do not know the identity of listeners and vice-versa.

Saoirse Brennan, RGU: Nightline Coordinator

You can contact our service about anything that is on your mind, no matter how big or small it may seem. We can help you if you need information about support services within or external to the university, we can just chat with you if you need someone to talk to, and we are trained to help support you through more serious conversations if that is what you need. That is the beauty of having a Nightline, even if you do not feel able to speak to your friends or loved ones about what is on your mind, you have this support available to you.

Sometimes it is easier to take that first step and to talk to a complete stranger rather than speaking to someone you know. For people feeling apprehensive about contacting us, our instant messaging service may be a less daunting option as a live chat over text offers you more time and privacy to think and gather your thoughts. Listeners will never rush you and will always give you space to talk to make sure that you feel heard and understood.

My experience volunteering with the RGU: Nightline

Nightline has been one of the best decisions I have made since coming to university. I work in the public-facing side of the nightline, overseeing the daily running of the service and getting the word out about what it is we do. It is a challenging but rewarding role and I get a lot of satisfaction out of the job knowing that I am part of a larger movement to promote good mental health practices within the university. None of it would be possible without the hardworking listening volunteers that work behind the scenes.

Saoirse Brennan, RGU: Nightline Coordinator

Everyone can do their bit to raise awareness of mental health, and foster a positive culture of talking and encouraging people to seek support early rather than waiting until they are in crisis. Something as small as asking your friends “Are you okay?” and really listening to their response will go a long way.

Need to speak to a listener?

Contact us:

• Instant message: Visit www.rgu.nightline.ac.uk and click the big blue button on the right-hand side of the page.
• Anonymously email: listening.response@rgu.nightline.ac.uk (We will reply within 48 hours.)
• For more information about RGU:Nightline, contact nlcoordinator@rguunion.co.uk (not an anonymous email).

Follow us on social media for notifications of when we are open: @rgu_nightline (Instagram) @RGU: Nightline (Facebook) @RGU Nightline (Twitter), or visit our website and check the big blue button on the right-hand side of the page to see if our chats are live.

Saoirse Brennan

If you are struggling and need to speak to someone then please reach out to RGU’s counselling and wellbeing team. The Student Counselling & Wellbeing Centre has Counsellors and a Student Wellbeing Advisor who can talk over issues that may be concerning you. We also provide online mental health self-help programmes 24/7 through our Silvercloud platform to help with Anxiety, Stress, Depression and Body Image.

Related Blogs:

RGU Peer Support Group – Here to talk about mental health