What is the RA Wellbeing Mentoring Programme?
The RA Wellbeing Mentoring Programme offers short-term peer support for students living in University halls who may be finding university life challenging.
You may benefit from the programme if you are experiencing:
- Loneliness or isolation
- Difficulties settling into university life
- Low confidence in social situations
- Mild anxiety about meeting people or getting involved
- Low mood that is affecting your university experience
- Uncertainty about where to find support
The programme is designed to help you feel more connected, confident and supported while living in halls.
Please note: this programme is only available to students living in University-managed accommodation.
Who are the RA Mentors?
RA Mentors are Resident Assistants who have been carefully selected and trained to provide safe, supportive peer mentoring.
They are fellow students who understand the challenges of university life and can help you:
- Explore social opportunities and activities
- Build confidence and independence
- Connect with Residence Life events
- Access appropriate University support services
- Feel more at home within the university community
RA Mentors are not counsellors or therapists. They do not provide clinical or mental health treatment. Instead, they offer a supportive space to talk, reflect and explore practical ways of improving your university experience.
How does the programme work?
The programme usually lasts up to four weeks and includes four mentoring sessions.
Step 1 – Referral
You can refer yourself to the programme using the referral form below. University staff can also make a referral with your permission.
Step 2 – Eligibility Review
Your referral will be reviewed to ensure the programme is the most appropriate form of support for your needs.
Step 3 – Welcome and Introduction
If accepted onto the programme, you will receive a welcome email from the Programme Coordinator introducing you to your assigned RA Mentor.
Step 4 – Initial Contact
Your RA Mentor will contact you to arrange your first meeting.
Step 5 – First Meeting
During your first session, you and your mentor will create a personalised action plan for the next three weeks.
This may include:
- Identifying Residence Life activities and events
- Exploring opportunities to meet new people
- Becoming more familiar with university services
- Setting small personal goals
- Discussing academic or non-academic aspects of university life
Step 6 – Ongoing Mentoring Sessions
You will meet with your mentor over the following three weeks to work towards the goals in your action plan.
Step 7 – Final Session
Your final session will review your progress, celebrate achievements and identify any next steps or ongoing sources of support.
Confidentiality
All mentoring sessions are confidential.
However, if there are concerns that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, information may need to be shared with appropriate University staff or services on a need-to-know basis to help keep people safe.
How do I apply?
To apply, simply complete the referral form below.
You can:
- Refer yourself directly
- Ask a member of staff to refer you with your consent
Once your referral has been received, it will be reviewed and a member of the team will contact you with the outcome.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the RA Wellbeing Mentoring Programme, would like to discuss whether it is right for you, or need help completing a referral, please contact: reslife@herts.ac.uk