Time to
Talk Day – Here to Hear
As well as
having a Student Support staff to student radio of 1:7 Norland also has a
fantastic student led Here to Hear team. On Time to Talk Day, we have asked
them about their role, the importance of students looking after their mental
wellbeing and how being part of the team has helped them when working with
children.
The Here to Hear team hosted a Sensory, Slippers and Snacks morning for World Mental Health Day.
What is
the role of the Here to Hear team?
The Here to
Hear team are a group of volunteers who have created a ‘mentee/mentor’ scheme
to talk through any worries, queries or concerns that students may have, who
feel more comfortable talking to a peer knowing that they will listen carefully
and trust other people’s beliefs in a safe environment. The Here to Hear team
have had specialised training from the Norland Student Support team and the two
work very closely together. Sally, Set 41
Not only as
Sally said we’re a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, but we hold events
to create a calm, relaxing but fun environment for students to have a break during
deadline seasons. We had an event where everyone came in slippers for the day
and we had a chocolate fountain, and we raised money for the mental health
charity, Bath Mind. Emily-Louise, Set 41
Why are
you part of the Here to Hear team?
I am part
of the Here to Hear team so that I can support and help other Norland students,
not only in my own Set but in other Sets too, especially with the first years.
Your first year of university can be a stressful time. Being a member of the Hear
to Hear team allows me to offer support and advice to other students in any
matter concerning Norland, whether it concerns academic work, life outside of
college or simply being there to listen. Isabel, Set 41
How did
you first come across the Here to Hear team?
I first
came across the Here to Hear team when I was wanting to get involved in extra-curricular
activities that would help other students in lower years. I wanted to make a
difference in students’ lives, knowing I had some experience in working in
partnership between a buddy and mentee, having done a similar student support
experience when I was at school. I want to be able to build trust through
understanding and respecting students’ feelings, establishing boundaries and
talking through problems. Sally, Set 41
Read Ellie's story here.
How
important is the Here to Hear team at Norland?
The Here to
Hear team is extremely important within Norland. Not only is it a friendly face
for the students to see but it then helps the students to feel comfortable to
talk to one of us about any worries they have whether it is Norland related or
missing home. I feel another reason why the students are comfortable talking to
us about any concerns they have is that they know we have been in their
situations. I also think the importance of Here to Hear team is having someone
that the students know are there to talk to if they ever needed too. Charlotte,
Set 41
How
important is it that people speak about their mental health and wellbeing?
‘Time to
Change’ states that on average one in four people will experience a mental
health problem demonstrating that you are not alone. They explain how the best
thing a person can do is support through checking in, listening and not judging
and treating them in the same way as everyone else. Can you imagine if the three
people surround that one person everywhere? Norland’s motto is ‘Love Never
Faileth’ which is weaved throughout all our practice including each student and
staff supporting each other. Our mental health is so important and despite what
we all feel no one is alone. There is always a helping hand. Emily-Louise,
Set 41
Norland's motto 'Love Never Faileth' is on the badge awarded to Norlanders when they graduate from the Diploma.
Students
have a lot of stresses and pressures, how important is it that they open up to
someone if they’re struggling?
Opening up
to others allows students to feel relieved and that they’re not alone when they
may be struggling. Talking to other students and having someone there for you,
listening to you allows them to feel there is always support available and
where they may go for support in the future. Opening up and talking to others
can also help students feel relieved. Isabel, Set 41
What
advice would you give someone who is going through a difficult time?
My advice
would be to find someone to talk about how you’re feeling. This could be a
family member, friend or personal tutor, as I find speaking about it helps you
to feel better which makes you able to find a solution. You could also write
down how you feel into a diary as it may help you to feel like a weight has
been lifted off your shoulders and would have a clear head to figure out a
solution. Phoebe, Set 41
Firstly,
don’t worry! We all go through difficult times and often we end up stressing
over the tiny things (I have actually cried over losing my lip balm!). But what
makes Norland so special is the support from staff and students, so like Phoebe
said, find and use that support if it’s through talking or writing down. The
most important thing is being supported in that time but then finding a
solution and being supported to get back up and face the difficult situation
and overcome it. Emily-Louise, Set 41
Does
being a part of the Here to Hear team help when you’re working with children?
For example, listening to them if they’re upset or spotting signs that they’re
struggling.
The Here to
Hear team has definitely helped me when working with children. I think I have
started to think about children’s emotions more without even knowing I’m doing
it. It has also helped me with emotion coaching children as well as asking more
open-ended questions to children for them to express themselves. I make sure that
if a child is talking to me, I will get down on their level, so it makes the
child more comfortable rather then towering over them. I have made sure that I
am always listening to the child and waiting for them to finish fully before
giving my response. Through being on the Here to Hear team, it has helped me
not only recognise friends’ and other students’ emotions but children's as
well. The Here to Hear team has also helped me deal with certain situations as
the training we get before joining the Here to Hear team has given us the right
skills to help someone out professionally and give them the right help they
need. Charlotte, Set 41
Find out
more about Student Support at Norland here.
