The Student Loneliness Peer Support Group

Introduction

In this Brighter Beacon article, we explore the proposed Student Loneliness Peer Support Group (SLPSG) for the Edinburgh University Students' Association.

What is the Student Loneliness Peer Support Group?

The Student Loneliness Peer Support Group (SLPSG) is a proposed EUSA-affiliated Peer Support Group conceived by Bintang Dirya . It was first mentioned in Bintang's manifesto for Student Loneliness Campaign Representative within this point: "Enact the Student Activity Reforms which include creating a “Welcoming Societies” scheme, allowing “No-Pressure” participation options, using campus spaces creatively, and establishing a dedicated community for lonely students."

The thing is that the wording is vague and there are many possibilities in establishing a dedicated community for lonely students. These alternatives include:

• The Edinburgh University Society of Eccentrics (EUSoE)
• The King's Buildings Society (KBSoc) — New King's Buildings Union , founded by me on 16 January 2023, restructured as a Students' Association-affiliated student society.
• The Edinburgh University Niche Interests Society (EUNIS)

However, Bintang decided establishing a Peer Support Group is supposedly the best option. This is because lonely students are usually uncomfortable with big events and a lot of people. So, the SLPSG is specifically designed to allow 1-on-1 and small group peer support. We may host larger-scale events for members (and non-members).

Running the Student Loneliness Peer Support Group

Since the Student Loneliness Peer Support Group is just an idea, we can describe our plan according to our conventions.

There are 2 main types of members: Leaders and Buddies. This arrangement looks similar to Global Buddies, because I based this Peer Support Group after them. I used to be a Buddy in my 1st year and a Group Leader in my 2nd year. The SLPSG is best described as Global Buddies, but for 2nd year students and onward who are struggling with making friends or loneliness. Global Buddies is designed for 1st year students as Buddies and to be asymmetrical (in my honest wording, Buddies have less freedom than Leaders — I explain this point better in the next section).

Leaders

Leaders lead fortnightly 1-on-1 and small group peer support sessions either by themselves or with other Leaders at the minimum.

Leaders are expected to undertake training to make sure they have provide the best experience for everyone. Training may include event planning, verbal communication, and conflict resolution as examples.

Leaders are not mental health professionals, therefore they will signpost Buddies to their GP or the Counselling Service. Leaders are there make Buddies feel more comfortable in socializing with others.

In terms of friendships forming between Leaders and Buddies, I do not see any wrong with it. This is because if we impose discouragement of friendships between Leaders and Buddies, how are we supposed to end student loneliness with more resistance?

Inter-Leaders and Inter-Buddies friendships are still allowed. Obviously, anything more than friendship is prohibited.

Buddies

Buddies participate in the fortnightly 1-on-1 and small group peer support sessions hosted by Leaders.

Buddies are encouraged to talk and engage with other Buddies, because that is the point of the Student Loneliness Peer Support Group — alleviating one's loneliness by making friends.

For experienced and well-engaging Buddies in the Peer Support Group, they can become a Leader next year as to compensate for departing Leaders.

Events

Alongside the 1-on-1 and small group peer support sessions, there are events for the whole Peer Support Group such as board game nights, movie nights, and outdoor games (e.g. capture the flag, cornhole).

The Drawbacks of the Student Loneliness Peer Support Group

• Asymmetry Between Leaders and Buddies: The easiest thing to point out is that Buddies cannot host events if we operate like Global Buddies. I thought of Buddies-hosted events, but according to our current setup, you need at least a Leader. The another thing is that you have students with 2 different roles which could develop a power imbalance and its unintended effects.
• Duplication of Interest: In this year, the Students' Association has made efforts to host Unplug & Play, Game On!, and similar events. I think it is a waste of resources and efforts if we host our own events and have the case where almost no one showing up.

Improved Configurations

The Student Loneliness Network

The Student Loneliness Network is intended to address the Asymmetry Between Leaders and Buddies Issue by changing the student group model from a Peer Support Group to a Student Network. In short, a Student Network is an informal, flexible, and peer-driven group that focus on connecting students around shared interests, professional goals, or support needs. In other words, there are no designated roles. Although, there will be students who take leadership of the network by hosting meet-ups, sharing ideas and stories, and getting to know everyone.

The Buddy-Up System

The Buddy-Up System is intended to address the Duplication of Interest Issue by introducing students called "Buddy Guides" — different from SLPSG and Global Buddies — you can talk to if you are struggling to break the ice. These Guides can help you by introducing you to the other students in the event, or starting a game of Uno (or any other tabletop game) and inviting others to play [assuming we are in an Unplug & Play event].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed Student Loneliness Peer Support Group (SLPSG) at the University of Edinburgh presents a thoughtful approach to alleviating student loneliness through structured peer interactions. While the SLPSG offers a promising blueprint, it is important to recognize that this is just one potential form of a dedicated community.

The process of addressing student loneliness may require a more flexible approach, such as the Student Loneliness Network, which eliminates hierarchies and encourages organic, peer-driven interactions. Alternatively, the Buddy-Up System could integrate with existing Students' Association initiatives, offering students a catalyst of support within familiar settings. Ultimately, the final shape of the loneliness community should evolve in response to students' needs, embracing diverse strategies that ensure authenticity and connection.