Share On
Peer Mentoring
University Centre South Essex Peer Mentoring Programme
This programme aims to help new students settle into their course, and those in Year 2 and 3 continue to develop their skills, make progress and achieve their full potential. Degree students are matched with a Peer who is in the year above or has recently graduated and the Mentor works with them individually to share experience and give advice on aspects of study and student life at University Centre South Essex.
Peer Mentors are a great source of information relating to their programme area and for general student issues. Many of our previous students have benefitted from the programme as their Mentors have been able to offer them insightful support and guidance having had recent experience or encountered similar issues.
Registration for the Mentoring programme is now open. If you are a current 1st year, progressing to Year 2 or 3 of your degree or will be joining us in September 2022 you can register for a Mentor by emailing HESupport@southessex.ac.uk
Meet some of our Mentors:
Caitlin Richardson BA (Hons) Film and Television Production
I am on the Film and Television Production course currently in Year 3. I wanted to become a mentor because it is thanks to mentors in my life that I have gained and grown in confidence and achieved things I never would have without their support and guidance. They can offer great support and comfort and turn into people who teach you the greatest life lessons.
Before studying I had loads of questions about the University path however, the support I have had during my studies has been amazing and I want to pass that onto other students who may need help with their journeys. Mentoring is a beneficial way to help someone expand what they believe they can do and achieve it.
Julia Frampton BA (Hons) Counselling Year 2
My name is Julia Frampton, and I am currently in my second year studying for a degree in Counselling.
As a mature student, I initially found the commencement of university and the academic expectations overwhelming. I had not studied for quite some time, but I found that by sharing my worries and concerns with my peers and tutors, it enabled me to become more confident in my abilities.
I have therefore joined the peer mentoring scheme in order to share my experiences with others, empathising with students going through the same journey, encouraging and guiding them through any pressures or expectations they are facing, thus helping them to achieve their goals.
Sophie Wade BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration
Hi! I'm Sophie and I am currently in my second year of my BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration degree. After working in full-time Local Government administration roles for three years upon finishing my studies at sixth form, I decided to return to education, and enrolled at the University Centre in September 2020.
Prior to starting University, I was allocated a mentor through an external mentoring charity called Brightside and I received one-to-one support to help me prepare for going back into education. Having access to a mentor was invaluable and it really inspired me to want to help others who are just starting Uni and who are in the same, or a similar position as I was in 2020.
I am a firm believer in mentoring and really enjoy sharing my experiences with and imparting my knowledge to the First Year students. So far, the mentoring programme has been a fantastic opportunity to be part of, and it is a great feeling knowing that I am playing a part in helping to guide fellow students through their own University journey.
Lucie Grajcarova BA (Hons) Costume Construction Year 3
I have become a mentor because I enjoy helping people and because mentoring allows building communication and leadership skills. I was in the same shoes when I first started so I could understand all the struggles students might have.
The first year of university can be challenging. Also, I have used the student services myself all through my study and found it extremely helpful, so in this way I could also offer support to who needs it and give something in return to the university.
