What is the NUS Peer Support System?
The NUS Peer Support System aims to help create a community of peer support and care for colleagues in need. We hope to build a community where all employees feel safe to talk about their concerns and be able to access the help they need safely and confidentially.
Please note that Peer Staff Supporters are not mental health professionals. If you require professional help, please reach out to the Health and Wellbeing Team for a session with a Wellbeing Specialist Partner (trained clinical psychologists) or call 800 852 6317 to speak to a counsellor from NUS Heart (EAP Provider) (available 24/7).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Help keep a lookout for colleagues who may be feeling distressed, down or just need a chat
- Provide a listening ear and basic emotional support to fellow colleagues
- Direct colleagues to the appropriate services & resources
- Foster a culture of safety, sharing, openness and mutual help in the workplace to reduce the stigma of mental health issues
- Communicate health & wellness activities & tips to their colleagues
- Encourage & motivate colleagues to participate in wellness initiatives
Note: PSS will be provided with the relevant training and are not expected to be clinical professionals.
Just about any full time NUS staff who has a passion for helping others and caring for colleagues in need ❤
Not to worry! All you need is a big heart, bigger ears (for listening) and an open mind, and we’ll take care of the rest! We’ll be providing you with the necessary training and resources to build up your skills as a Peer Staff Supporter.
Peer Staff Supporters will start by completing a 2-day Peer Supporter training. However, we won’t stop there! In order to support our community of awesome peer supporters, peer support circles with a Wellbeing Specialist Partner (trained clinical psychologist) will be organised every 2 months too. These sessions will give you a chance to network, check-in with each other, and discuss any support experiences you might have and share best practices.
Peer Staff Supporters will also be given the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging wellbeing workshops to keep them up to date on the latest trends and level up on their peer supporter skills.
Apart from the training mentioned above, you will be added into a Peer Support Teams chat and have access to PSS Consult, where you can consult with a Wellbeing Specialist Partner (trained clinical psychologist) on your PSS journey. Peer Staff Supporters will also be assigned a buddy to stick with for extra support!
Summary of commitment hours:
- 2-day kick off Peer Support Training
- Every 2 months, 2hr PSS support group circles (recommended)
- At least 1 wellbeing workshop/ year (recommended)
Please do check in with your Reporting Manager before signing up as a Peer Staff Supporter to keep them in the loop of the commitment hours required for the role. If at any point you feel it’s not such a good fit, let us know and we’ll work something out!
Absolutely! We want to recognise your contribution as a Peer Staff Supporter and you will receive an official letter of appointment from your Head of Department in recognition of the training you have undergone and your contribution as a peer supporter.
Please do check in with your Reporting Manager before signing up as a Peer Staff Supporter to keep them in the loop of the commitment hours required for the role.😊
Have more questions? Do feel free to reach out to the NUS Health & Wellbeing team here hwb@nus.edu.sg, and we’d be happy to tell you more 😊
Calling for Peer Staff Supporters
Are you interested in becoming a Peer Staff Supporter? PSS recruitment is ongoing! Please apply by clicking the button below. Please note that only full-time NUS staff are eligible to apply for this.
