Peer Wellbeing Mentors
Your Peer Wellbeing Mentors are current ARU students who are here to help you through your university experience, available on campus and online.
The mentors deliver a range of social activities and campaigns throughout the year to promote positive wellbeing and the opportunity to meet other students. They also provide you with advice and guidance on a range of topics/issues and signpost to services within the University.
The Peer Wellbeing Mentors provide a listening service, drop in sessions, fun activities and events, info on ARU Counselling and Wellbeing Services, kitchen meetings with students, and they run the arupeerwellbeing Instagram account.
You can connect with the Peer Wellbeing Mentors on your campus if you have any questions or want to talk about anything. Find out when Peer Wellbeing Mentors are available on campus.
Email wellbeingmentors@aru.ac.uk
Meet our Peer Wellbeing Mentors
Rachel Ownsworth
Course: PhD in School of Life Sciences
Nationality: British
I think it can be easy to become isolated and swamped with work as a PhD student – as a Peer Wellbeing Mentor I want to create opportunities for us to connect, relax and support each other, and just feel less alone. We’re to support you with whatever wellbeing needs you have.
If you just need to vent, we’re here. If you need mental health support or resources, we can help you to access it. If you want to have a nice time with other students in the same boat as you, come along to some of our events; and if you have any ideas about wellbeing activities you’d like to see, we’ll try and make it happen!
Tips:
Make sure you’re doing something other than uni – your work is important, but you are more than your uni work! Plan to allow yourself some down time (time spent procrastinating doesn’t count).
Be big headed – imposter syndrome is the worst and it’s so easy to spiral into low self-esteem. If you do something impressive, tell somebody about it. Try to make jokes about how smart you are instead of self-deprecating ones. These are small things that can start to change your internal monologue into one that is kinder to yourself.
Paige
Course: BA (Hons) Music Performance
Nationality: British
Being a Mentor means leaving an impact on those I meet, regardless of how brief or long our time together may be. Being a place for people to exist as themselves freely without fear that they’re not good enough.
There are many benefits to knowing about Peer Mentor sessions such as our open space and friendly nature. We encourage engagement but we don’t enforce it. You can talk as much or as little as you like within reason in the session and its always a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings.
'Don’t die wondering man' is my life’s motto. A quote from my favourite movie. Try not to worry with the 'what ifs' and live life as 'best as I know how'.
Tips: Take everything one step at a time if that helps. Don’t be afraid to just jump in the deep end and figure it out as you go. You're gonna go far!
Piers Reilly
Course: PhD
Nationality: British
As a PhD researcher you appear to be alone. Your research project is your own, requires you to drive it forward and give direction. It can be very easy to retreat into your niche and remain there throughout, isolated.
The critical fact to remember is that this isolation is an illusion. You are bound together with many others via your school, faculty, and the shared experience of doing a PhD. Breaking this illusion is difficult but can be achieved by engaging with the various communities present at ARU. Getting involved then becomes the barrier, which as a Wellbeing Mentor I hope to help overcome.
Tips: Your PhD is not your life, don't let it take over. Factor in time for sports, hobbies, or other activities important to you. If you don't currently do any, look out for free taster sessions or university sponsored events where you can sample a wide range of options.
Camilla Seeland
Course: PhD at the Global Sustainability Institute
Nationality: German
As a Peer Wellbeing Mentor, I would like to create a community of PHDs that support each other throughout their journey. Being the new student at university is never easy, and especially when starting your post-graduate studies or PhD. It’s important to not become isolated but to integrated yourself in the community.
As a Peer Wellbeing Mentor, we’re here to help you through your journey, not matter how smooth or rocky it may be. We are a community where you can find friends, share experiences and learn from each other in a safe space, and receive advice on any issues you may face at any time. Lastly, we are also here to have fun! So we look forward to seeing you at our events.
Tips: Make sure you keep a healthy balance of work, social activities, the great outdoors: Because when you achieve this your PhD journey will be more fun.
Katina Ward
Course: MA Children’s Book Illustration
Nationality: British
For me being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means helping to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all students, especially if anyone is struggling or feeling isolated.
The benefit of students knowing about the Peer Wellbeing Team means that students know there are always people to talk to and that they’re not alone. There’s a kind and welcoming community of people to connect with and relaxing activities to take part in if you want to.
Tips: Do things that light you up. It can be easy to get bogged down in uni work and deadlines but try and do at least one small thing a day that excites you and makes you feel good.
Amy Wright
Course: PhD in School of Life Sciences
Nationality: British
I understand and appreciate the stresses that postgraduates can face, so I want to ensure that everyone feels a sense of community, connectedness and safety in their study and time at ARU.
Postgraduate study can be lonely and insular at times, it is therefore important to be aware that there is always someone to talk to in the Wellbeing Team. The activities that we run are not only good for the mind, but a great way to meet new friends too.
Tips: If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.
Brigitta Olah-Kovacas
Course: PhD in Ecology and Sustainability
Nationality: Hungarian
We are there to provide a safety net for students and ensure everyone has access to wellbeing activities and help. Having someone to turn to in such a stressful educational journey makes a huge difference.
We all need help and support at times. This can range from just having a little break to seeking professional advice. We are here to help you navigate your mental health through your academic journey and assist to maintain your wellbeing.
Tips:
- Have a break – sometimes all you need is to step back for a little bit.
- Reach out – don’t hesitate to contact the peer wellbeing mentors if needed, we are here to help.
- Network – we all go through a similar journey; the student community is a great place to share and ask.
- Keep an eye on your peers – sometimes we can be a little shy to reach out, knowing someone’s there for us can make a difference.
Angelina
Course: Music Performance
Nationality: British
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means being able to give back to a service who has helped me. If I can help others in any way I can, I will. Knowing I’ve helped brings me joy. We give students the chance to get help in ways they may not have known about before and a space reflect on what is important to them.
Tips: An inspirational quote I have always loved is, 'I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,' Thomas Edison. This has always helped me to look at things in a more positive way, you will never fail, you have just simply found a different way.
Mehmet Erdem Kara
Course: MPH Global Public Health
Nationality: Turkish
Peer Wellbeing Mentor support creates a safe environment and space for everyone without judgment. Sometimes simply being there when someone needs to talk or sometimes helping them to navigate their university experience if possible can make a difference. Quintessentially, we are fostering a sense of community where everyone feels they belong there and connected.
What are the benefits of students being aware of the peer mentors and your activities? This might enhance their university experience. Also, it would connect people who are having similar experiences and make them feel less isolated/worried. Subsequently, as a snowball effect it can turn into something encouraging for more students and create this sense of awareness how important mental health is. Ultimately, this might improve overall mental health and wellbeing on campus.
Gundham
Course: PhD in Philosophy
Nationality: Italian
What does being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor mean to you? Taking care of the student community by fostering a safe, fun and supportive environment.
What are the benefits of students being aware of the peer mentors and your activities? Being able to talk about their problems, to socialise and to foster their creativity and interdisciplinary skills.
Tips: Never feel scared or guilty to ask for help, there are always resources available and people at ARU and outside as well are happy to be there for you! Your studies are important, but not at the expense of what gives your life joy and meaning, including hobbies, friends and rest.
Amelia
Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminology
Nationality: British
I’m passionate in improving the mental health of students and this role allows me a chance to make university life less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
University can be overwhelming, but knowing there’s a supportive network like Peer Wellbeing Mentors makes it easier. We’re here to help with stress, provide guidance, and build a sense of community and do this through arrange of activities i.e., creative workshops and student hangouts.
Tips: Allow yourself the opportunity to express your emotions, there are lots of fantastic in person and online resources available that can help you to establish how you feel and what you can do about it such as SilverCloud.
Margo Michalik
Course: PhD
Nationality: Polish
I am excited to support other students with their health and wellness because I believe it’s extremely important to take care of your wellbeing. As a wellbeing mentor I can help students get the most out of their studies and have an amazing time without the constraints of poor health.
It’s important for students to know about all the wellbeing help and resources that are available to them. Know about the Peer Wellbeing Mentors also helps to create a sense of community, which is especially good for postgraduate students whose projects are often very self-led; this can lead to loneliness and feelings of isolation. Wellbeing activities are a way for students to meet other people and spend time in welcoming and supportive spaces.
Tips:
Disabled Students' Allowance – always recommend applying whether you have a physical disability, a mental illness, or a neurodevelopmental condition, it helped me a lot with accessing the right equipment and specialist help for free.
Grounding techniques help with anxiety and dissociation. Focus on something that involves your senses e.g. tea for taste and smell, being outside for sight, sound and smell etc.
Have a wellbeing box or journal. When we’re in a crisis, we might forget most of the things that help. It’s good to keep a wellbeing box filled with all the things that help us during the difficult time. Your box may include snacks, favourite items, fidget toys, pictures of your loved ones, advice and tips for overcoming different things, breathing exercises etc. You can also keep a Word doc on your desktop (or somewhere that is easy to access) that contains all your favourite websites and resources.
Holly Amber
Course: MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology
Nationality: British
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means being someone that other students can turn to in their time of need. From offering advice on services or just being someone who is willing to listen, the role covers so much ground in order to support students the best that we can.
The biggest benefit of students being aware of the peer mentors and our activities is the realisation that they are not alone. People do care about you and we want to help the best way we can. Sometimes just knowing that someone does care about you can change your perspective on things.
Tips: Get active, get relaxed, and get creative – keep three activities in your life that facilitate these actions. For me it is mental health walks, hot baths, and colouring.
Kai
Course: BSc Business Management
Nationality: Japanese
To me, becoming a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means being able to provide positive mental health and personal well-being to students. The Peer Wellbeing programme provided a safe space for me to discuss my concerns and connect with others.
The support from the Wellbeing programme significantly helped me. I want to provide similar support to other students by listening carefully and responding in a compassionate way.
Being aware of the Peer Wellbeing Mentor program offers benefits for students. It provides access to valuable advice on coping strategies and wellbeing management. Furthermore, students can reduce feelings of isolation by connecting with others who might struggle with similar challenges.
Tips: Go for a morning walk; try journaling; set regular routines.
Sola Osewa
Course: BA Criminology and Sociology
Nationality: British
Personally, being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means assisting to create and maintain a positive learning environment that promotes good mental health and overall wellbeing.
What are the benefits of students being aware of the peer mentors and your activities?
- Students are aware that if they do have an issue that is affecting their wellbeing/mental health, they have a listening ear.
- By interacting with the mentors and spectating our activities, students acquire knowledge of the wellbeing services available at ARU.
- Students being aware of peer mentors and their activities will, over time, increase the calibre of ARU’s general wellbeing and mental health.
Tips:
- It’s okay not to be okay! You’re human after all.
- A problem shared is a problem half solved. Cliche, but true all the same.
- Problems thrive in secrecy. Bring it to light, tell someone, expose it. That’s a step in the right direction.
- After getting the support that you need, healing is a process. A journey in fact. It might take a while, but don’t worry, you’re doing great!
- Finally, self-care is how you take your power back; so be kind to your mind.
Sarian Lahai
Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
Nationality: British
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means a lot to me. It's about supporting and guiding fellow students through their challenges and being a positive influence in their lives. It's truly rewarding to make a difference and help create a supportive community within our university.
When students are aware of peer mentors and their activities, they can access valuable support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Knowing that there are peers who are there to listen, provide advice, and offer help can significantly enhance the overall student experience and well-being.
Tips:
- Stay connected with friends and family for emotional support.
- Prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.
- Manage your time effectively to reduce stress and avoid burnout.
- Seek help when needed - whether from Peer Wellbeing Mentors, counsellors, or other support services.
- Engage in activities you enjoy and that help you relax, such as hobbies or mindfulness practices.
Taking care of your well-being is essential for academic success and overall happiness during your university journey.
Shreya
Course: Medicine
Nationality: British
I aim to be a familiar, friendly face and somebody who students can count on for support and understanding. My goal is to create a welcoming and safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. I shall provide guidance, offering encouragement, or simply being there when they need someone to talk to.
University life can be overwhelming and isolating at times. Even if students are struggling, it’s easy to feel ‘stuck’ and to be unsure of how to take action and start improving their wellbeing. Awareness of the peer wellbeing mentor team lets students know that they always have somebody to turn to if they need support, guidance, or even just a talk.
Tips: One of the most helpful things I've learned, and am still working on, is the power of slowing down. It's so easy to get caught up in the rush to finish everything on our to-do lists. But taking a moment to pause and be present makes such a difference for both our physical and emotional wellbeing. I've found that even a few minutes of mindfulness each morning helps me to feel more motivated, deepens my sense of gratitude, and allows me to act more intentionally throughout the day.
Christina Merkaj
Course: Medicine
Nationality: Albanian
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor at ARU means being there for fellow students, offering support and practical advice as they navigate university life. It’s important to me because it allows me to make a real difference in others' experiences while also building my own skills in listening and problem-solving.
When students are aware of peer mentors and their activities, they know where to find support and guidance. This helps them manage challenges, feel more connected, and encourages them to seek help when needed.
Tips: To maintain positive wellbeing at ARU, keep yourself organised by managing your time and keeping up with deadlines. It's important to balance your studies with social life and self-care, and to build a supportive network of friends and peers. Don't hesitate to seek help if you need it, and stay active – regular exercise can really lift your mood.
Nithin Raj
Course: MSc Supply Chain Management
Nationality: Indian
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of fellow students.
What are the benefits of students being aware of the peer mentors and your activities?
- Access to support
- Promotes wellbeing
- Builds confidence
Tips: Build a strong support network of friends, family, and peers. Social connections are vital for emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Carly Rayner
Course: Midwifery BSc
Nationality: British
This role gives me a chance to continue offering pastoral support to others. I am on hand to offer a listening ear for those who may be in need of a friendly, empathetic shoulder to lean on (or maybe even cry on).
I am a natural empath and will offer whatever guidance I can to hopefully help other students’ journey through higher educational a positive one. Sometimes all it takes is a little validation from a friend, knowing what support is available and taking the brave step the reach out for help to change things for the better.
Often taking the step to seek support is the hardest part. It’s fear of the unknown – the worry about whether the help will actually be helpful. Whether it will take up more of your energy to seek help, and what if it isn’t want you need? By headlining the support available to students, it takes the pressure off them to do the hard part. University can be tiring enough already – demands of study, social anxieties, money worries, missing home… trying to find help to ease these things shouldn’t be an added burden.
This is where peer mentors can help, and by promoting the enrichment gained from the activities provided and the positive change that this can create to individuals, hopefully more students in need will reach out too rather than struggle alone.
Tips:
One key thing I would advise is never compare yourself to others. It is human nature to draw comparisons between ourselves and others; an instinct we have which can drive ourselves aspire to be greater. But we can also be our own worst enemy; we are often overly hard on ourselves and this level of stacking ourselves against others can have serious effects on our mental health and feeling of self-worth.
Social media means other people's levels of success, happiness and perceived value are on display at all hours of the day but please remember, if someone seems to have their life mapped out and is doing well, be happy for them but bear in mind; what you see isn't always the complete picture. I mean who wants to share the negatives? Just because their posts don’t include the bad days, it doesn't mean others don’t have bad days too. But it takes a brave person, one who isn’t ashamed to show the whole of themselves, to offer this honest side for the world to see.
Remember... there is so much more to university than just academic learning. Life is learnt here too, but these important lessons cannot be taught in the classroom. Life’s experiences deliver these lessons, and life takes time. One day it will be clearer. But for now, be kind to yourself and do not be ashamed of being fearful. It is ok to feel lost sometimes, but with a little help from you can get back onto the right path.
Some find self-help useful. Websites and offering useful tips and information may work for some, especially those who would prefer to venture these challenges alone. Websites such as Student Minds have some great resources to help with some of the worries you may be experiencing.
But ideally, finding someone to share the worry with can help lighten the load and broaden your way of thinking. After all, some of the things you are worried about have most likely been someone else's worry too at some point. I have used the ARU Counselling and Wellbeing service myself: at the time I felt I was spiralling, and I just needed someone to help me stay grounded. The support I was given though a life coach demanded very little from me and helped me to focus on my goals, and as a result I have strengthened my self-belief and mental wellbeing.
Eliana Semedo Martins
Course: Medical Science
Nationality: Portuguese
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means creating a safe, supportive space where students feel heard and valued. It’s about making a positive impact by offering guidance, empathy, and connection.
Knowing that there are Peer Wellbeing Mentors around university, who are also fellow students gives students easy access to relatable support and useful advice. It helps them build confidence and build a sense of community, especially for those who may feel isolated.
Top tips:
Make the effort to socialise!
Maintain balance by prioritising rest and self-care.
Remember it’s okay to seek help and do it as early as you possibly can!
James Gahlot
Course: BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Nationality: Indian
I like being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor because it allows me to have a deeper sense of community by cultivating said community. Being able to help my peers through their ups and downs and just being a welcoming face for the university is incredibly fulfilling to me.
There are a lot of benefits of students knowing about the Peer Wellbeing Mentors ranging from: awareness of resources that the university has to offer, hang-out sessions, mental wellbeing events, and much more.
Top tips:
Build your support group – be it friends or family, anyone that you can fall back to when life gets a bit much.
Prioritize your mental and physical health – take breaks when you need them, find your rhythm and stick to it.
Practice Discipline – plan out your academics and other responsibilities, allocate time for everything, and stay close to it.
Maaz Fatmi
Course: Medicine
Nationality: British-Pakistani
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means being able to provide support for those struggling with the pressure of academics or other circumstances as a peer.
What are the benefits of students being aware of the peer mentors and your activities: it allows you to have an outlet to talk about problems weighing on your mind. Also gives you an opportunity to meet other people who may be struggling with the same problems you’re experiencing to showcase you’re not alone.
Top tips:
Have an activity to relieve stress. This can be sport, arts and crafts, exercise, reading or whatever else you prefer.
Take time away from a screen, especially social media as this has been linked to poor mental well-being.
Build a support network of family/friends so that you can talk to people you feel comfortable with about your problems.
Zainab Shahid Hafeez
Course: Biomedical Sciences
Nationality: Pakistani
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor entails offering peers sympathetic support, direction, and a safe environment to my peers to help improve their mental and emotional wellbeing. It includes active listening, resource sharing, and cultivating a good and positive community. ARU has been my safe space and now I want to be that for others.
Tips: Prioritise self-care: Maintain a balanced routine of study, exercise, social connections, and relaxation to support your mental and physical wellbeing. Check out ARU's student support services for guidance.
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." – Albus Dumbledore. Stay connected, seek help when needed, and remember that your university journey is a chapter in a much larger story.
Majura Manoharan
Course: Biomedical Science
Nationality: British
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor means a lot to me because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It's all about supporting and helping my peers through their challenges and being there for them. It's a way for me to spread joy, happiness, and bring a special kind of positivity to their lives. It's truly a blessing to be able to be there for others in this role.
Students being aware of Peer Mentors and their activities brings numerous benefits. It allows students to access valuable support and guidance from their peers, fostering a sense of community and connection.
By knowing about the activities of Peer Mentors, students can take advantage of the resources and programs they offer, enhancing their well-being and academic success. It also creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and sharing their experiences. Overall, awareness of peer mentors and their activities promotes a positive and inclusive campus culture.
Tips: Surround yourself with things and people that bring you joy and happiness, and do the things you love to do. Prioritise self care and remember to take breaks now and then to relax and reboot the system. Stay connected with loved ones and take care of yourself.
Remember that difficult times will pass by and you will get through it all. Everything happens for a reason, don’t stress out, take a deep breath and know that everything will be okay. You are strong and you got this! Never give up! Keep working hard! We’re all proud of you for coming this far!
Sehar Imran
Course: MSc International Business Management
Nationality: Pakistani
Being a Peer Mentor means providing guidance, support, and encouragement to others by sharing my own experiences and knowledge. It’s about fostering a sense of community, offering a listening ear, and helping peers navigate challenges. Being a Peer Mentor means empowering others to grow and succeed while also learning and growing yourself through the experience.
Awareness of Peer Mentors and their activities offers students valuable support, as they can connect with someone who understands their experiences and challenges first-hand. Engaging with peer mentor activities also creates opportunities for building connections, developing new skills, and accessing resources that enhance academic and personal growth. Ultimately, knowing about Peer Mentors can lead to a more fulfilling and successful university experience.
Tips:
For positive student wellbeing at ARU, prioritise a balanced lifestyle by managing your time effectively between studies, rest, and social activities. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet to keep your energy levels up.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether through ARU’s mental health services, counselling, or by talking to friends and peers. Engage in campus activities and clubs to build a strong support network, and practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Lastly, remember to set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Raghad Hammoshi
Course: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Forensic Computing
Nationality: British
Being a Peer Wellbeing Mentor is a really important and meaningful role for me. Helping people and being there for them has always been my passion. This role allows me to be of help for my peers, my friends, and students like me.
The benefits of students being aware of our roles and activities is knowing that we’re here for them. Be it academic stress, being homesick, or adjusting to the new environment, knowing they can just pop in and talk about it in a safe space or even to just join in on the activities helps ease their minds and relaxes them.
Tips:
Mindfulness and meditation: Headspace: a popular app with guided meditations for various situations. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing can make a big difference!
Healthy lifestyle: ARU Sports: take advantage of the sports we offer here at ARU and join a club!
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! 7-9 hours a night can make a huge difference.
Connect and support: ARU Students' Union: join societies and clubs to make friends and meet like-minded people; ARU Counselling Service: if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Julia
Course: Adult Nursing BSc (Hons)
Nationality: Indian
Being a peer well-being mentor means being a supportive and empathetic listener to my peers and colleagues. It means creating a safe and non-judgmental space for them to openly discuss their challenges and concerns. It also means providing them with guidance, resources, and encouragement to help them navigate difficult situations and improve their overall well-being. Ultimately, being a peer well-being mentor will allow me to contribute positively to the work environment and make a meaningful impact on the lives of my coworkers.
When students are aware of peer mentors and their activities, they can benefit in several ways. Firstly, students can receive valuable support and guidance from peer mentors, which can help them navigate academic and personal challenges more effectively. Peer mentors serve as relatable figures who can offer insights, share experiences, and provide assistance in a non-intimidating manner.
Additionally, awareness of peer mentors and their activities can help create a positive and supportive campus community. Students may feel more comfortable seeking help and engaging in open discussions about various issues when they know that peer mentors are available and willing to assist. This ultimately fosters a culture of care and mutual support among students. Overall, the awareness of peer mentors and their activities among students can contribute to a more supportive, connected, and informed student body, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being and success of the student community.
Tips:
Make sure to take breaks which will help you to take your mind off all the stress and keep you calm and relaxed throughout.
Spend quality time with family and friends.
Take part in societies and SU events to connect with more people and feel a sense of belonging.
Make sure to have conversations with someone if you are going through a difficult time rather than isolating yourself.
