Peer Supporter training

Roles and responsibilities of a peer supporter

If you're interested in becoming a peer supporter, it's important that you understand the responsibilities of the role before you apply.

As a peer supporter, you will be trained to offer supportive conversations to other students. You will provide a listening ear, empathy and understanding, and help peers think through their options and find appropriate support where needed.

Peer supporters are not counsellors and do not provide therapy, diagnose or treat mental health conditions. As an important part of the University's approach to supporting student wellbeing, you will work closely with local welfare provision in your college, department or division.  

You are expected to: 

I’ve really valued the skills I’ve learnt and the people I’ve met due to peer support, and will continue to employ the techniques of active listening for the rest of my life. 

- Peer Supporter at Merton College

• Attend the full peer supporter training programme 
• Meet regularly with your college, department or divisional welfare team 
• Attend regular supervision to support your wellbeing and good practice 
• Promote and create welfare and wellbeing spaces in your college, department or division 
• Offer supportive, non-judgemental listening to peers 
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality 
• Recognise the limits of your role and signposting students to appropriate welfare services 

There will also be the opportunity to take on a specialised role relating to an aspect of your identity or experience, if you would like to. You can read more about these roles on the finding a peer supporter page. 

Training and commitment 

To become a peer supporter, you must attend a programme of training delivered by the Peer Support Programme in-person at 3 Worcester Street. The programme consists of 24 hours of training, typically delivered in 3-hour sessions across a term. The training is interactive and reflective, and you need to attend all sessions. You can’t catch up on missed sessions. Group learning means it is not just about your own learning, but also members of the group.  

The training will help you develop skills and confidence in areas such as: 

Training sessions were an incredibly valuable use of my time, not only for learning peer support skills, but also as an opportunity for personal wellness and self-reflection during my busy weeks.

- Peer Supporter at Oriel College 

• Active listening and communication 
• Boundaries and confidentiality 
• Addressing stigma around seeking support 
• Diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness 
• Responding to distress and crisis situations 
• Signposting and referral pathways 

Becoming a peer supporter is an ongoing commitment. As well as completing the training, you are required to attend regular supervision sessions with a member of the Peer Support Programme. These sessions are a space to share concerns, reflect on your experiences, and support your wellbeing.

How to become a peer supporter

Before applying to become a peer supporter, please consider carefully whether you will be able to commit yourself fully to the training programme and ongoing responsibilities of the role.

Peer supporters are recruited locally by colleges, departments or divisions, each with its own application process.

If you are interested in becoming a peer supporter, the first step is to speak to: 

• A member of your college or departmental welfare team, or 
• A current trained peer supporter in your college or department. 

If you are not sure who to speak to in your college or department, please contact [email protected] for advice. 

Training usually takes place once per academic year for each college or department. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by the Peer Support Programme  with details of your training place. 

Information for staff and colleges 

Without a doubt this was one of the most formative and rewarding parts of my Oxford experience.

- Peer Supporter at Brasenose College

If you are a member of staff, or are looking for information about peer support training (including fees), please see the Peer Support pages on the Education and Student Support Area of OxIntranet.