Blog articles
The Sussex Peer Support Project: Meet our Wellbeing Ambassadors
By: Jessica Kistnasamy
Last updated: Thursday, 20 February 2025
Making an Impact
At the University of Sussex Business School, we understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we have a dedicated team of Wellbeing Ambassadors – students just like you, who are here to support your academic and emotional journey.
Who are our Wellbeing Ambassadors?
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors are Student Ambassadors with a unique focus on student wellbeing. They serve as a valuable mental health resource, offering friendly, peer-to-peer support and guidance towards the right university services. No topic is off-limits. Whether you need help navigating your current university year, facing financial struggles or experiencing feelings of loneliness, stress or anxiety, they are here to assist.
Professional training and resources
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors receive approved ‘Look After Your Mate’ training from Student Minds, delivered by Rich Green, Wellbeing Consultant at Sussex, to prepare them for the role. The highly interactive training course ensures they can test and apply their knowledge in a supportive environment before heading out to help their peers. But the learning and development doesn’t stop there. Ambassadors take part in ongoing group supervision sessions throughout the year. These sessions offer a platform to discuss any challenging situations or conversations from the past month, share best practice, and re-visit training elements to keep their skills sharp and up to date.
Why peer support matters
Seeking guidance from peers who have faced similar challenges can make a world of difference. Who better to understand the struggles of university life than those who have experienced it themselves? Our Wellbeing Ambassadors are fostering a culture of care, openness and early intervention – meeting you where you are in your time of need.
The Wellbeing Ambassador perspective
“As a Wellbeing Ambassador, many students I spoke to reported that the initiative provides them with comfortable support. They feel they are sharing their problems with close friends, rather than going to professionals which might be daunting for some.
“Many students have benefited from this programme - especially me. It began with a journey of educating myself and building awareness, gathering experiences, and then finding the capacity and a platform to deliver peer support. The Wellbeing Ambassador scheme has motivated me to succeed.
“Now, I'm able to see the world differently. I realised there are always people who work hard to help people around them, sharing the same goal as me. At the same time, there are always people who are desperate for help but for some reason, can’t reach out. Whenever I can be of help, I feel energised and 'charged up'. That's the feeling when I do something right. I’m thankful for this opportunity to help others.”
Fathir Bin Suhaimi, BSc Economics, Second Year Wellbeing Ambassador
A problem shared is a problem halved
Besides providing a listening, empathetic ear, our wellbeing ambassadors are trained to direct students to appropriate University support services. For example, a student struggling with financial concerns was guided to the Hardship Fund, while another dealing with a possible stalker was directed to the Student Centre for further support.
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have made significant contributions to helping their peers take positive action to help themselves. For instance, during a Business School breakfast event, an ambassador helped a student struggling to financially by directing them to the Student Centre for financial advice. In a follow-up event at our Wellbeing Stall, an ambassador checked with a student who had been in some distress during their first conversation. A month later, the student was brighter and receiving support after filling in a counselling application form at the stall.
This highlights the importance of sharing problems with others. As the saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.” By reaching out to our Wellbeing Ambassadors during term time, you may find the support you need and feel less burdened by your challenges.
How to contact a Wellbeing Ambassador
Wellbeing Ambassadors attend events throughout the academic year – look out for their yellow badge. You can also find out more information on the Student Experience Canvas site.