‘I need help’ Ambassadors
Two of our students have successfully applied to be Student Ambassadors for Surrey Charity ‘I need help’ which offers a helpline and email service for teenagers and Young Adults. The helpline’s numbers have been growing steadily since launching two years ago and offer callers a confidential, free service where they can discuss their problems with one of the helpline workers.
Tracy Pizzanelli, the Helpline Manager said ‘having student ambassadors in schools and colleges is a great way to promote our service and let young people know we are here. Being able to access the information without having to speak with an adult means they know that the service is for them and gives them the reassurance they sometimes need, that teachers and parents won’t be involved’.
Hannah Chin, is already the Student Union Equality and Diversity executive at Esher and she strongly believes that raising awareness for mental health is something that is essential for a community in which people feel safe enough to reach out for help. Hannah is currently applying to study Psychology at university next year.
Lucy Riggs, already takes an active role in the College’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Feminism Society, which she helped set up. This year, Lucy will be completing an Introduction to Counselling Skills course and also plans on studying Psychology at university next year.
‘To have two such strong representatives in Hannah and Lucy is fantastic’ said Tracy. Their role will be to promote the service to their fellow students and make sure details of our service our accessible and available to anyone who needs them.
