Question 1

What can I use this service for?

Accepted Answer

Anything where you would value talking to an aerospace student peer. This may cover topics such as: your psychological well being; student life at college; stressors and changes in your personal life; relationship problems; fatigue; bereavement; concerns about the wellbeing of another student; financial problems; health concerns, etc.

The trained peers are there for you, your well-being as a person and as an aerospace student. While they cannot act on your behalf, provide expert opinion, advise or even ‘fix’ your problem, what makes them superbly qualified is that they are a student like you. They have all had further/advanced training in supporting fellow students and they in turn are supported by a mental health professional, if required. UpLift peers are willing to listen to you, understand your challenges and help you figure it out (or at least point you in the right direction).

Question 2

How bad do things need to get before I can request a call?

Accepted Answer

Like most things, it is better to deal with problems and talk to others before they overwhelm us.  Putting your troubled or painful thoughts and feelings into words and by explaining it to someone you trust (and who is good at listening!) can often help you better understand what you are experiencing and perhaps gain a better perspective on the issue. Sometimes our worst fears don't sound as scary or as impossible as when we have said it out aloud to that trusted person - in the right setting.

Things needn’t get to a crisis point before you contact us. In fact, the sooner you do, the better we can support you.

Occasionally though, life can feel especially tough and overwhelming - and as a peer support network, that is what we are here for.

Question 3

What happens when I request to speak to a peer?

Accepted Answer

Once you have requested contact, you will receive a message confirming your request. ​The first suitably available peer to pick it up will text you and arrange a suitable time to talk on the phone. In arranging this, please ensure you will have the time and privacy to talk, on your own, to the peer.

​​The initial conversation will be to understand how they can best support you - or which direction to point you in. You may have a specific request for guidance or information, or you may be seeking support on a particular challenge you are facing. Either way, we are here for you!

Question 4

I would feel more comfortable talking about my concern via text than a voice call. Is that possible?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Just let the peer know when they first make contact with you and they will be happy to support you via text.

Question 5

What if I am concerned about a fellow student?

Accepted Answer

It is always better for people themselves to make contact with this service. However, sometimes they are too fearful to do so, or have lost perspective on the impact that this is having on their wellbeing or those they are studying with. ​

If you are worried about your fellow student, we suggest discussing this through with a peer who will help you figure how best you might be able to support them.

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Question 6

Can I use this service if my issue is urgent or it is an Emergency?

Accepted Answer

While we aim to respond to contact requests as quickly as possible, we are not set up to deal with urgent requests or emergencies. If you think that your own (or someone else’s) wellbeing or safety is in immediate danger, please contact someone in your own school/college.

Question 7

How do I complain about this service?

Accepted Answer

If something isn't working for you, the only way we can fix it is if you let us know. Please direct your complaint to us here and be assured that we will deal with them in a discrete and appropriate manner.