Student Listeners

Alina

Hi, my name is Alina. I love travelling, learning about different cultures, and meeting new people. I decided to become a Student Listener because I want to make people feel supported and safe. Also, it’s a great way to put my psychology degree into practice. This is a very inspiring and enriching experience. I learned how to be an active listener and how to ask effective questions. I feel like these skills helped me create stronger bonds with people I care about. Also, Student Listeners is a fantastic community with great people who share the same aspiration to support other students at University. We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out in case you’d like to talk. No issue is too small for Student Listeners, so feel free to book a session with whatever there is on your mind. And if you wish to become a Student Listener, we will be happy to welcome you. Don’t be intimidated by the application process or the interview, it’s a lot friendlier and relaxed than it sounds. 

Nawawan

Hello, my name is Nawawan, and I have been living in Glasgow for the past 2 years, pursuing a PhD in Accounting and Finance. Since finding out about this student support programme, I have been interested in becoming a Student Listener and learning how I can support fellow students in their day-to-day lives as well as navigate difficult times. Additionally, I am strongly compassionate and firmly believe that everyone should be able to engage in a supportive and non-judgemental communication. Not only that I am able to understand how to best become a better listener, but also to aide other people in a very open-minded and friendly way. Please feel free to get in touch to book in for a session or if you would like to become a Student Listener!! 

Chloe

Hello, my name is Chloe. I am a level 4 undergraduate psychology student who has studied at Glasgow university since 2020 (I completed a year abroad in my 3rd year, so this is my 5th and final year of my current degree). Beyond university, I enjoy going to the gym and going for long walks.   

I first heard about the Student Listener programme through the undergraduate skills award. As part of the passionate section, I chose this option as it gave me the opportunity to volunteer, meet people and be there to listen others which is something I’m passionate about.  

Throughout my time as a student listener, I have not only got better at active listening but also, I have gained confidence talking about various situations and how to ask effective questions.  

If you are looking to use this service, my advice to you would be to go ahead! We are a friendly group of students who have undergone training and are willing to lend you a listening ear. Your confidentiality will always be respected.  

If you are planning on joining the service to become a student listener, Go for it! We look forward to having new members join our team. You meet likeminded people and are supported by amazing trainers. It’s a very rewarding experience. 

Yousef

My name is Yousef Aljohani, and I’m from Saudi Arabia, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. My passion for mental health and supporting international students inspired me to volunteer as a Student Listener. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking . Through this role, I've developed essential skills like active listening and empathy, which are valuable in all aspects of life. I encourage anyone, regardless of their background or experience, to join this supportive and friendly community, where you can grow personally and make a positive impact on others. 

Evey

Hello! My name is Evey (short for Evelyn), I am 20 years old and a third-year psychology student. I love drawing and I play in the UofG orchestra (the Kelvin ensemble!). I grew up in London spending most of my time in Camden and mucking about with my younger sisters. I have recently taken up yoga and learning British Sign Language. After completing the Student Listening training, I became much more confident in my ability to support and communicate with others, whether their problems were big or small. I strongly recommend engaging with the service, we would love to meet you!  

Kate

Hi, I'm Kate. I started as a student listener last year, and I'm studying mathematics. In my free time I enjoy sewing and in my photo I'm wearing a top I made myself! Being a student listener has been incredibly rewarding; I've gained valuable active listening skills and the team and fellow listeners are such a pleasure to work with. If you're considering using the service I highly recommend it as talking through anything that's on your mind can feel like a huge relief. If you're considering becoming a student listener, it's an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding opportunity.

Connor

Hi! I’m Connor, a third-year Software Engineering student. I'm actively involved in running the Mental Health in Tech Society and the Artificial Intelligence Society at our university. Beyond university life, I’m passionate about health, fitness, and martial arts. You’ll often find me in the gym or in Muay Thai and MMA classes in the Stevenson. When I need to unwind, I enjoy diving into video games. 

I joined the Student Listener Service because I’m committed to bridging the gap between students and mental health care — something that also drove me to join the Mental Health in Tech Society. This role has given me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing new skills along the way. 

Through my time with the service, I’ve gained confidence and honed my abilities in effective communication and active listening. If you’re considering using the service but feel hesitant, rest assured that all Student Listeners are carefully selected and undergo extensive training with professional counsellors and therapists. We adhere strictly to confidentiality, ensuring that your privacy is always respected. 

For those thinking about joining the service, my biggest advice is: don’t let nerves hold you back. Even if the idea of group interviews or training feels intimidating (as it did for me), take the leap. Everyone here is incredibly kind and supportive, and you'll likely find that the experience will boost your confidence and equip you with invaluable skills. 

Malek

My name is Al Malek Hussien bin Ahmad. But you can just call me Malek. 

I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and I'm a medical doctor by profession. I am currently doing my PhD in cardiovascular medicine and metabolic health at the BHF building. My thesis project is looking at iron deficiency anemia in heart failure populations. I enjoy making new friends, although I admit that I am a bit shy at first. However, once I feel comfortable, I become more talkative. I enjoy outdoor activities such as traveling and playing squash. 

As I mentioned earlier, I love making new friends, and I would say that being a student listener (previously known as peer well-being support) gives me opportunities to broaden my networking. Furthermore, conversing and listening to "strangers" (new friends) is actually outside of my comfort zone, which is why I challenge myself. 

For the past few months, I would say that I’ve learned a lot, from effective communication skills to increasing my confidence level and helping me a lot to become an active listener. 

if you are considering using the service, don’t think too much, just go for it! Having someone to share our worries and listen to our thoughts, including complaints, grievances, gossip, and more, is invaluable, especially when there's no judgment involved! 

Please join us! It’s great to have new teammates on the team. Don’t be shy, scared, or doubtful! 

Sam

Hi! I’m Sam, I’m from Glasgow, and a 3rd year Aerospace Systems student who completed my student listener training last year.   

I am keen on all sports, especially climbing and running, I play the bagpipes, work with the RAF and am a receptionist on the side.  

I wanted to become a Student Listener as I love the intricacies of communication, and I saw the value that the experience could have on my ability to interact, understand and connect with people.  

From my training and time as a student listener, I’ve gained an understanding of how to find the emotions behind language, how to make someone feel like you’ve listened to them and how to effectively collate a someone’s story in your head, without it going out the other ear.  

This service is a lovely world to take part in, a kind and unbiased group of people who want to help lift those in need out of confusion and pain by listening and reflecting. This service is invaluable for anyone who needs to get their thoughts or feelings out, on any topic. The magic is that we work as a mirror within which you can explore your situation, to guide yourself to your best outcome, without a 3rd party misdiagnosing, or declaring what is ‘best’ for you.  

Riccardo

Hey, I am Riccardo, I was born in Italy and moved to the UK 8 years ago and to Glasgow 3 years ago. I am keenly interested in consciousness, human experience and how to reduce psychological suffering. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Integrated Studies of Psychology and Computer Science, investigating trusting dynamics between people and technology in the context of mental health support. 

I have become a Student Listener because I thoroughly enjoy listening attentively to others and supporting them in making sense of their experiences in a way that helps them. I have learned that listening to others is also a great way of enriching my own experience of life. During the Student Listener, I have learned how to listen to many different aspects of another’s experience: their words, feelings, movements, imaginations and much more. 

If you are interested in using the service, I would tell you that it is very relaxed and enjoyable and there really isn’t anything to lose in trying it out.  

If you are interested in becoming a Listener, I would tell you that for me has been a wonderful journey of self-discovery and I wholeheartedly recommend it.