Why we should talk about how we are: mental health support by students for students

As a volunteer, I get lots of support because when helping others, it’s important to care for our own personal wellbeing. The support system that we have is highly intricate, with a range of people to talk to after each shift. Some calls are difficult, and we can always check in with people on shift, or with our support officers and our co-ordinator. Volunteers work as a team which cements our friendship when we spend the whole night together. I have made friends for life: friends who have been with me after a difficult time and who’ve watched me grow throughout the year.

Nightline has changed me. There’s a clichéd saying that I never took to heart until I took my first call which is be kind. Anyone you meet may be fighting a battle you know nothing about. People surprise you and there’s more to someone than you might think. Be an empathetic ear and support the people around you.

As Nightlines rely on confidentiality, volunteers remain anonymous and tell only a few of their closest friends. Not being at home for multiple times over the year may start to look sketchy unless you tell your flatmates what you’re actually up to; this means volunteering with Nightline won’t get you much recognition. But, many others and myself continue to do it because we know the impact that we make is greater than any external validation. Staying up for hours on end throughout the night while managing to make it to morning lectures, to potentially missing out on social plans with your friends, is all worthwhile.