Being a student can be challenging, and those studying by distance learning may feel particularly isolated at times. Perhaps you’re struggling with motivation, need a confidence boost, or some practical study tips. Who better to reach out to than your student peers? Peer Supporters are your fellow students, trained to help you achieve a better study experience with confidential*, non-judgemental study support.
Contact Peer Support
Get in touch with us using whichever platform you feel most comfortable with:
Thinking of contacting us but feeling unsure?
Here’s what one of our Peer Support volunteers had to say in a recent interview:
“Are you thinking about contacting Peer Support but are unsure if we can help? Just contact us anyway! Even if we cannot help you ourselves, we will be able to point you in the right direction. Are you worried that you will be a ‘burden’? Don’t worry! You will not be bothering us at all. We are here to help and be a listening ear.” Peer Supporter 'Amy'
And here’s what a student who has used the Peer Support service had to say:
“My peer supporter has been such an incredible source of support and kindness while I am having a difficult time. I am so thankful that I have accessed this service and I will continue to. Having an experienced student to talk to about difficulties with studying, time management, self doubt and loneliness has been beyond helpful. Many times she has helped me feel more capable of carrying on and helped me re-focus on what is important. It is so reassuring to know that I am not alone in my struggles, or as a student (because distance learning can be lonely sometimes!). Thank you so much for this service! It has made such a difference to me!”
What Peer Support can and cannot help with, and answers to other questions
Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which also detail what Peer Support can and cannot help with. You can also contact us on the above email address if you don’t find the answers you need.
*Confidentiality information
Your interactions with the Peer Support service are kept confidential and within the Peer Support team. Email conversations are kept on record for up to two years in case of a complaint. The service you will receive is confidential with the exception of the following circumstances:
• You inform us that you, a child or a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger.
• There is a Safeguarding risk that we must report by law.
• You inform us that you have plagiarised or cheated in your OU studies; or
• You inform us that you have committed a crime.
In these circumstances your personal information will be passed on to another department within the Open University or to the relevant emergency services.
Send us your feedback
If you have contacted the Peer Support Service before and would like to provide us with some feedback we’d love to hear from you here.