Positive Minds volunteer training

The Positive Minds course has been designed to give students the skills they need to keep low mood at bay. The course has been developed using material from Students Against Depression which provides award-winning information and self-help resources

The theory behind this course goes something like this... when depression gets a foothold in your life, it can quickly take hold in the form of a series of mutually reinforcing habits. That is, when we let low mood hang around, it is easy to end up in a downward spiral. Depressed behaviour, in the form of avoidance and social withdrawal, reinforces depressed feelings and the lethargy that often accompanies depression. Whilst not a substitute for professional help, the strategies discussed on this course offer a starting point for doing what you can yourself to turn this spiral around or for preventing chronic stress or low mood from spiraling into depression.

We understand that students are often the first source of support for their peers and many students want to know how to appropriately support others. Since 2008 Student Minds have supported young people to offer encouragement to fellow students experiencing the challenges of university life, through structured peer support groups. Our groups are facilitated by trained student volunteers who ensure the conversations remain supportive and safe. These group facilitators are core to our organisation and by volunteering with Student Minds you’ll be at the forefront of our work to help improve student mental health.

Volunteering as a group facilitator will give you a unique opportunity to develop your skills, make a difference at university, boost your CV and gain experience in the field of mental health. You will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you feel knowledgeable, confident and skilled to deliver suitable and effective peer support on your campus.

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We are looking to recruit facilitators for the Positive Minds Programme, at the University of Derby, late Spring semester 2019, and 2019-2020 academic year onwards ( exact dates to be confirmed) http://www.studentminds.org.uk/peersupportgroups.html

This is a two day course and our next training dates are Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th March 9.00am - 5.00pm, at The University of Derby.

Please contact either Lynda Keir, L.Keir@derby.ac.uk, or Ruth Spencer, R.Spencer@derby.ac.uk if you have any queries.

Closing date: 12.00pm on Friday 22nd February

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