Abbey College Cambridge Main Entrance

College Introduces Student Wellbeing Ambassadors

27th January 21

Abbey College Cambridge has introduced the student position of Student Wellbeing Ambassadors into the college community, to support our Adult Student Support Workers.  These Ambassadors are young people who have showed an interest in supporting their fellow students/friends with difficulties such as low mood, dealing with quarantine, homesickness, friendship issues and workload.  They are an able to offer a ‘listening’ ear to the rest of the student community.  We recognise that often students often find it easier to speak with another student who is in a similar position so they fully understand.

To be appointed the students had to go through an interview process with senior members of staff.   The successful applicants impressed the interviewers with their answers to questions about how they would go about helping a student with various issues.  Many congratulations to Abdul-Jabbar, Mbechun, Amir, Oghenetejiri Christine and Pavindran on their successful appointment of Wellbeing Ambassadors.

All of the appointed Wellbeing Ambassadors have had training to help them with their role.  This includes; respecting confidentiality, listening skills and caring for themselves as well as others from Lee Parker, our Mental Health Occupational Therapist and Academic Mentor. They have all completed and passed the One Day Youth Mental Health First Aid course run by Mental Health England.

The students can be recognised by wearing green tops with the MH Ribbon and Wellbeing Ambassadors printed on them and any student is welcome to ask them for a chat about whatever may be causing them problems or stress.

The Ambassadors know when to pass information to an adult if they are concerned the issue is beyond their remit and the Student Support Workers – Ana and Shannon and Dawn, the Matron will take on and proceed as needed, whilst maintaining confidentiality for the student as far as possible depending on the requirements to support.

We look forward to seeing the positive difference these students make to the college community.