Understand
Student wellbeing champions at Wolverhampton and Worcester universities use personal experiences to help others
Overview
Student volunteers at the Universities of Wolverhampton and Worcester are using their own experiences of challenges such as trauma, neurodivergence, and addiction to support fellow students, raise mental health awareness, and promote available services.
Key points
- Rachel Lee, a University of Wolverhampton graduate and wellbeing champion, uses her experiences with trauma, anxiety, and being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia as an adult to help other students.
- Paul Freeman, a senior wellbeing champion at Wolverhampton, turned his personal experience of overcoming a gambling problem into a paid part-time role coordinating volunteer support.
- The University of Worcester also operates a student wellbeing champions scheme to promote support services and create an inclusive community.
- University officials note that these champions help students feel connected, supported, and able to succeed through listening and small acts of kindness.