Who better to support students
than other students?
TalkCampus Buddies are trained peer supporters from partner institutions around the world. Through our structured programme, they learn to actively listen, convey empathy, and support their community safely.
3,000+
Trained Peer+ volunteers worldwide
5
Interactive training modules
24/7
Staff support for every volunteer
310+
Partner institutions globally
Real voices, real impact
Listen to TalkCampus Buddies share what the programme means to them and how it changed the way they support others.
I thought the training was great. Very informative and broke down the understanding with all the examples. It made me feel confident in how to approach situations, without pressure.
TalkCampus Buddy
I found the training very informative. It was an engaging process with lots of opportunities to learn, and I definitely took a lot away from it.
TalkCampus Buddy
I've noticed that it brings me happiness to be able to just be there and listen and it also has given me a lot of insight on the issues that others have been facing.
TalkCampus Buddy
A couple of times when I was low, I had posted about it and I was overwhelmed by the support I received. The training has made me understand the issues people talk about and respond to it better.
TalkCampus Buddy
5 interactive modules, built for real impact
Our self-paced online programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be effective peer supporters both online and in their day-to-day lives.
Start with our introduction to peer support for staff.
Understanding the Role
What it means to be a peer supporter, including limitations, code of conduct, and staying safe online.
Empathy & Core Skills
How to convey empathy online. Introducing open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarising.
Conversations & Boundaries
Starting and ending conversations. Self-disclosure. The limits of peer support. Signposting. Self-care.
Practising Skills
Applying new skills and the peer support framework through guided practice scenarios.
Review & Assessment
Reviewing key learning, summarising principles, and completing the final assessment.
From applicant to trained Buddy
A structured pathway with support at every step.
Recruitment & Training
Students engage in our self-paced online learning programme over a 6 to 8 week period with a final assessment. Training is fully remote, cohort-based, and brings together students from around the world.
Probation
Following successful training and assessment, trainees become probationary Buddies. Over 3 months they are closely monitored and supported with clinical supervision, a personal mentor, and regular staff check-ins.
Trained Buddy
As a fully trained Buddy, volunteers provide peer support on TalkCampus. Ongoing training and opportunities for leadership or mentoring roles open up over time.
TalkCampus volunteers do not have any involvement with risk scenarios. The platform is safeguarded by our professional Trust & Safety team and clinical staff.
Buddies are never on their own
Peer supporters receive a hierarchy of support throughout their time as a volunteer. Regular reviews, audits, and wellbeing breaks ensure every Buddy can focus on their own health when they need to.
24/7 access to support from the TalkCampus staff team
Monthly clinical supervision sessions
Personal mentoring from senior volunteers
Wellbeing breaks available or enforced when needed
The benefits of becoming a Buddy
Volunteering with TalkCampus is an opportunity to develop real skills, make global friendships, and know you are making a difference.
Flexible commitment
No fixed shifts or set hours. Volunteers engage at a level and during times that fit around their studies and life.
Valuable skills
Develop active listening, empathy, communication, and leadership skills that transfer to any career.
Global community
Join a diverse cohort of student volunteers from institutions around the world, building friendships that last.
Certificates & references
Receive certificates for key milestones and references from TalkCampus to support future opportunities.
Trusted by 310+ universities
& colleges worldwide
Everything you need to know
Questions from students and institutions about the Peer+ Buddy programme.
Any student aged 18+ from a TalkCampus partner institution can apply. Applicants are welcome from any major or background. You will need to attend an interview and complete the training programme.
The training programme runs over a 6 to 8 week period and is fully self-paced and online. It consists of 5 interactive modules with a final assessment. After passing, you enter a 3-month probation period with close mentoring and clinical supervision.
No. We understand student life is busy and can be tough. There are no required shifts or set amounts of time. Volunteers engage at a level and during times that fit for them.
No. TalkCampus volunteers do not have any involvement with risk scenarios on the platform. The platform is safeguarded by our professional Trust & Safety team and clinical staff who handle all escalations.
Volunteers receive 24/7 access to support from our staff team, ongoing training, monthly clinical supervision, mentoring from senior volunteers, and peer support within the volunteer community. Regular reviews, audits, and wellbeing breaks are part of the programme.
Yes. TalkCampus provides certificates for all key milestones in your volunteering journey, as well as references that can support you in future career or academic opportunities.
No student should struggle alone
See how the Peer+ programme can empower your students to support each other, building a healthier campus community.