What is the Peer Helping Programme (PHP)?
The Peer Helping Programme (PHP) is a peer support network for students on campus. It is an initiative of the Student Counselling Centre. It was launched in 2009 in collaboration with the NTU Psychology Society.
What is the objective of the Peer Helping Programme (PHP)?
The programme aims to train and equip a team of student volunteers with relevant skills and knowledge on how to identify and befriend a person with emotional and/or psychological issues, and refer them for professional counselling and/or medical assistance if need be.
What is a Confidant (or Peer Helper)?
A Confidant is a student volunteer who is trained to identify and befriend students with emotional and/or psychological issues, and refer them for professional help if need be.
What is the role of the Confidant?
The role of the Confidant is to walk the journey with any student who shows signs of emotional and/or psychological distress by offering moral support and encouragement. Sometimes, it may also be necessary for the Confidants to guide students to seek professional help.
Who does the Confidant report to?
The Confidant is supervised by the Student Counsellors and Case Coordinator from the Student Counselling Centre.
What is required of the Confidant?
The Confidant is expected to abide by the Code of Conduct and Ethics stipulated by the Student Counselling Centre. The Code governs the behaviour and conduct of a Confidant. He or she is expected to carry out his or her peer helping duties professionally and uphold the integrity of NTU, the Student Counselling Centre and the NTU Psychology Society.
What are the pre-requisites to be a Confidant?
A Confidant must meet the following criteria:
1. An undergraduate: First (semester 2 students only), Second and Third year student
Graduate student: Has at least one more year of study from date of application
2. Passion in voluntary work and youth outreach
3. Able to balance the demands of studies and peer helping
4. Able to commit time for attending training and supervision meetings
5. Satisfactory academic performance and grades (Consistent cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above)
6. Complete the selection process and meet the criteria
7. A member of the NTU Psychology Society
* If you have been selected as a confidant, you will need to apply to be a member of the NTU Psychology Society (Please click here for information on the society)
What is the selection process?
The applicant is required to submit the PHP application form during the recruitment period. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to an interview and personality profiling.
What does the training entail?
The confidant must attend the Basic Helping Skills workshop conducted by the Student Counselling Centre. It will equip Confidants with the necessary skills (including active listening skills, questioning skills etc) to play their roles effectively. In addition, relevant workshops and talks will be conducted. The Confidant is also required to attend regular supervision meetings as well as personal therapy which serves to help Confidants gain a better understanding of themselves.
What is the administrative task required?
The Confidant is expected to keep accurate and confidential records of any contact with the students they are helping. These records are properties of the Student Counselling Centre and will be kept by the Centre if the Confidant graduates or ceases to be a Confidant.
What are the Resources and Support given to Peer Helpers?
Peer helpers will be equipped with up-to-date mental health resources for reference as well as essential contacts in the event of an emergency or if he or she needs consultation.
If you are interested in being a Confidant, please keep a lookout for our next recruitment drive. You may also email us at scc@ntu.edu.sg for details.
The recruitment drive for 2012 is now open!
You may download the application form here and return to us by 17 Feb 2012.
