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 is 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 mental health issues and to refer them for professional counselling or medical assistance.
What is a Confidant (or Peer Helper)?
A confidant is a student volunteer who is trained to identify and befriend students with emotional issues, and to refer them for professional help. He or she is also known as a confidant.
What is the role of the Confidant?
The confidant offers moral support and encouragement to any student who shows signs of emotional distress and provides information mental health resources to the student.
Who does the Confidant report to?
The confidant is supervised by the student counsellor 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. He or she is required to read and sign the following forms:
1. Letter of Acceptance
2. Confidentiality Agreement
What is the Code of Conduct and Ethics?
The Code governs the behaviour and conduct of a peer helper. He or she is expected to carry out his or her peer helping duties professionally and uphold the integrity of the university, Student Counselling Centre and 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 undergraduate
Graduate student: Has at least one more year of study from date of application
2. Interest 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 group discussions
5. Satisfactory academic performance and grades
(Consistently minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0)
6. Completes the selection process and meets the criteria
7. A member of the NTU Psychology Society (Please click here for information on the society)
What is the selection process?
1. Complete the PHP application form
2. Attend an interview
3. Take a personality profile
What does the training entail?
A confidant must attend the 2-day Basic Helping Skills workshop conducted by the Student Counselling Centre. Subsequent workshops and talks may be conducted for confidants. Confidants are also required to attend regular supervision meetings.
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 should the confidant graduate or ceases to be a confidant.
What are the resources and support given to a Confidant?
The confidant will be given a list of up-to-date mental health resources for reference and a list of 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.