RGU: Nightline is a Student-Led peer to peer helpline that offers a non-judgmental, confidential and anonymous listening and support service to students at Robert Gordon University and in Aberdeen outside of University academic hours.
Our specially trained student volunteers recognise that university is a time of many changes and challenges and can empathise with callers. They don’t judge; they don’t give advice; and they certainly don’t tell callers what to do – they just listen. Best of all, Nightline is confidential and anonymous meaning students accessing the service don’t even have to give their name.
It is said that 1 in 4 people suffer from mental health illnesses and for students, this may be for a variety of issues: from academic stress, bullying or debt to loneliness, depression or bereavement; from arguments with flatmates or worries about a friend to addictions, eating disorders or self-harm; from relationship or family problems to sexuality, sexual abuse or abortion. As well as our phone lines, we also offer support via email, instant messaging, and can provide information and supplies such as pregnancy tests, condoms, and attack alarms.
The service will be launching at the start of Semester 2 and we will be looking for volunteers to become Nightline Listeners! Check out or facebook page or email us to find out how to get involved!
Email: NLChair@RGUUnion.co.uk (not anonymous email)
Follow us on twitter: @RGUNightline
Share our page: www.facebook.com/RGUNightline
What is the purpose of RGU:Nightline?
For most students their time at university is a positive experience however for some it can be characterised by periods of stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression. Rising fees, academic pressures and concerns about employability can also impact on student mental wellbeing. Nightlines offer university students a safe space to talk about their feelings or whatever’s troubling them with fear of being judged or ridiculed.
For more information and research on student mental wellbeing, please view our research.
Who can contact RGU:Nightline?
Any university student can contact the Nightline at their institution. Whilst the first Nightline was set up to reduce student suicides, Nightlines today receive calls from students troubled by a variety of issues: from academic stress, bullying or debt to loneliness, depression or bereavement; from arguments with flatmates or worries about a friend to addictions, eating disorders or self-harm; from relationship or family problems to sexuality, sexual abuse or abortion. Nothing is too big or small to contact Nightline about – whatever’s troubling a caller, Nightline is there to listen.
What happens if I contact RGU:Nightline?
When you contact a Nightline, you’ll speak to a trained volunteer who will listen to whatever’s on your mind and explore any thoughts or feelings that you share. You decide what to talk about, when to leave the call and whether or not you’d like to call back.
Though all Nightlines are unique, they all operate to five core principles.
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Confidential – what callers discuss with Nightline volunteers will not be shared outside of Nightline.
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Anonymous – callers don’t have to give any identifying details about themselves.
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Non-judgmental – Nightline volunteers don’t judge and support callers through whatever it is they’re going through.
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Non-directional – meaning callers decide what they want to talk about and the Nightline volunteer gives them a safe space to do this.
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Non-advisory – Nightline gives the caller space to make their own decision, and supports them in this rather than telling them what to do. “We’ll listen, not lecture.
Our partners:
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RGU:Union: RGU Student Association (Union) are our Governing body. They provide us with a financial grant and staff support. The idea of RGU: Nightline was formed from the Union and has developed within the association by providing the brand, policies, marketing and moral and financial support.
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Robert Gordon University: Robert Gordon University (Estates, Accommodation, Counselling departments) have provided RGU: Nightline with overwhelming support. Not only did they provide us with a venue where we can operate, they have provided us with advice and support throughout the process of setting up.
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RGU Mental Wellbeing Society: The Mental health and wellbeing society is a brand new society for 2014 and we are looking to tackle the stigma and raising awareness whilst supporting the students of RGU.
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KeySurf: Keysurf have generously supported RGU: Nightline by providing us with equipment and a working internet connection so we can respond to calls, emails and instant messenger
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Nightline Association: Nightline Association are the governing organisation body that supports all Nightlines across the UK. They have provided RGU: NL with profound support in setting up and expert advice in how to ensure our Nightline remains professional.
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Three Rings: ThreeRings provide us with a unique software programme that allows to manage our volunteers in an efficient way and record data while providing confidential functions and a lockbox for important information.
Policies
While we are experts at keeping confidentiality, we strongly believe that RGU: Nightline should be as transparent as possible. Therefore we have uploaded our policies. If you have any questions about any of the documentation here, please get in touch with one of our Nightline Chairs: NLChair@RGUUnion.co.uk
RGU Nightline Constitution
RGU Nightline Confidentially Agreement
RGU Nightline Equal Opportunities Policy