McPherson University Trains Student Leaders on Peer Counselling to Strengthen Campus Mental Health Support

McPherson University has intensified its commitment to student wellbeing through a capacity-building seminar aimed at equipping student leaders with foundational peer counselling skills.

The programme, organized by the Guidance and Counselling Unit of the Directorate of Student Affairs, was themed “Empowering Student Leaders as Effective Peer Counsellors.” It brought together chapel leaders and student representatives to train them as first-line support points for students experiencing emotional or social challenges.

The initiative is designed to position student leaders as accessible support anchors within the university community, helping to promote early intervention and reduce stigma around seeking professional counselling services.

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Dean, Student Affairs, the Sub-Dean, Mrs. Esther Awokoya, urged participants to approach their responsibilities with empathy, attentiveness, and a strong sense of duty. She emphasized that student leaders play a critical role in shaping the emotional wellbeing and stability of the campus environment.

The training session was facilitated by Mrs. Florence Adetunji, Deputy Registrar in the Guidance and Counselling Unit, who stressed that leadership in a university context extends beyond administrative duties to include responsibility for the holistic wellbeing of peers.

She explained that peer counselling acts as a critical bridge between students and professional mental health services, helping to reduce hesitation and stigma associated with formal counselling access.

Participants were trained on essential counselling competencies including active listening, empathy, confidentiality, and non-judgmental engagement. Practical guidance was provided on how to ask open-ended questions, build trust, and avoid counterproductive behaviours such as excessive interrogation or offering unqualified advice.

A key component of the training focused on professional boundaries and referral protocols. Mrs. Adetunji clarified that while student leaders can offer emotional support, they are not substitutes for licensed counsellors. She outlined red flags such as severe emotional distress, substance abuse, and crisis situations, stressing the need for immediate referral to the university’s Guidance and Counselling Unit in such cases.

The seminar also reinforced ethical standards guiding peer counselling, including confidentiality, honesty, and respect. Participants were introduced to a structured five-step support model involving rapport building, active listening, concern clarification, exploration of options, and encouragement of constructive action.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Adetunji encouraged the student leaders to embrace a culture of compassion and responsiveness, noting that effective leadership is measured by availability and the ability to support others meaningfully.

The session concluded with renewed commitment from participants to work closely with professional counsellors in fostering a more supportive, responsive, and mentally healthy university community.