Exhibition: 50 Years of the OU Students Association

The launch of Peer Support

Distance learning can be challenging for Open University students, with feelings of isolation, struggles with motivation, and a lack of confidence with approaching studies being common barriers faced by many students over the years. This is why, in 2000, the Students Association established the Peer Support Service. 

Pursuing further education at a traditional university can be an overwhelming and anxiety-provoking experience, but as studying with The Open University also involves studying on your own, without close proximity to other students in lectures or classes, it can be even more daunting. As juggling study, work and home life has been an often-difficult reality for OU students across the decades, having someone to be there to listen to concerns, answer queries and generally offer support to you can be such a relief, which is why the launch of this service seemed like a natural move.  

In 2012, following much hard work from Vice President Student Support, Alison Kingan and the Association staff team, the format of the service was updated with an official re-launch in 2012. Today, this service still offers support to many students every year and is run almost entirely by student volunteers. Peer Supporters are current OU students who give their free time to help other students who might be struggling. They are empathetic, patient, good communicators and are non-judgemental. Each Peer Supporter is trained and given a pseudonym when they first join, so that anonymity can remain between themselves and the students accessing the service. 

Whether students are struggling with time management, study skills or feeling isolated, Peer Supporters can offer a listening ear. Whilst this service is still a vital part of the support offered to students by the Association, it is important to note that the Supporters can’t give advice; if students need academic advice on their studies, have questions about assignments, referencing, special circumstances and referrals, Peer Supporters can signpost them to the correct department at the University. Similarly for students dealing with mental health issues, Peer Supporters can advise on what help there is available. 

Being OU students themselves, Peer Supporters know how it feels to study at a distance, to feel the tension of an impending TMA, to remain connected with fellow students, and to feel motivated each day to study, so being able to give support to other students who might feel the same way can be so rewarding.