Every smile, every hello – please support our students as they settle in
16 Sep 2019
Find out more about techniques, toolkits, resources and training to help develop your student support skills
We know from what students tell us that their interactions with staff across the University are what helps them enormously in feeling a sense of belonging. This is especially important at the Start of Year when hundreds of students arrive on campus with great expectations but also a lot of trepidation and fear.
It doesn't matter where you work in the University, whether you're an academic member of staff, you're in the halls of residences or you're a building attendant. Students love to hear you say hello and ask them how they are. Every smile, every hello helps a great deal.
There are a number of University-wide initiatives to help you welcome and support our students throughout the year including online training and face-to-face training.
The Division of Campus Life within the Directorate for the Student Experience has developed online training to help staff to support students.
- Supporting Students at The University of Manchester is aimed at all staff who are in contact with students as part of their work, it will help you to support students’ wellbeing from the initial point of contact with a student in need
- Identifying and responding to students in a mental health crisis uses short videos to takes you through a number of scenarios to help you think through what might be helpful responses and when to refer onwards for specialist support.
In addition to the online resources above the Counselling Service also provides regular training sessions for staff:
- Life Line: Offering help to students who may be struggling with their mental health, losing hope or experiencing thoughts of suicide
- Supporting Students – Managing Challenging Interactions
Further information and booking can be found via the staff training catalogue.
For any significant concerns about the mental health of a student please review the crisis pathway which will provide guidance about next steps.
If you are a tutor or other member of support staff who would like to talk about your involvement supporting one of our students then please get in touch. The Counselling Service can offer confidential telephone advice and consultancy to help you resolve issues.