Overview 

The Wellbeing Champion role is a voluntary position with the University of Sunderland Students’ Union. The role exists to champion and improve the wellbeing of the Sunderland student community, help students access support, and campaign for change.  

• Help students access support
• Campaign for change
• Become a peer support listener
• Champion student wellbeing

Requirements

This role is suited to anyone who has a passion for wellbeing, whether that’s physical health, mental health, or sexual health.

You should care about people and improving the experience of students at Sunderland University.  
NOTE: Role specific and additional, optional, training is provided.  

Role Outline 

Boost engagement with, and awareness of, wellbeing services provided by Your SU and the university through information sharing & signposting. 

Promote events and campaigns linked to current student wellbeing issues. 

Be the voice of students on wellbeing related matters to Your SU, the University and beyond, by: 

1. Inputting into SU & University strategy via: 

• Bringing issues to Students’ Union Council. 
• Feedback to the Mental Health & Wellbeing Steering Group. 

2. Liaising with the SU President Wellbeing, to plan projects and campaigns. 

Organise, lead, and facilitate approved wellbeing activities, events, projects & campaigns that link with current student wellbeing issues.  For example: 

• Wellbeing Wednesday [self-care project] 
• Talking Chairs [early intervention & sign-posting project] 
• Let’s Talk About Sex… & Relationships [sexual health project] 
• Guest Speakers 
• Financial Planning/advice 
• Webinars & Workshops 

Share knowledge and information of wellbeing activities, events, and campaigns through a variety of media including: 

• Canvas
• SU Website
• Social Media
• Blogs
• Podcast

Your commitment 

• Be a named and accessible Wellbeing Champion within Your SU.
• Attend mandatory, role specific, training to prepare you for the role. 
• Lead on relevant campaigns to impact change and improve student experience.  
• Give feedback to the university mental health & wellbeing steering group meetings.  
• Attend and contribute to regular planning and feedback meetings, in particular prior university mental health & wellbeing steering group. 
• Promote Your SU & university & wellbeing activities, events & awareness campaigns to students. 
• Complete a minimum of one core activity per semester.  
• Contribute your reflections and feedback on wellbeing and related issues & events. 

Commitment from Your SU 

• Role specific, mandatory, training including empathetic listening and sign-posting  
• Optional Mental Health First Aid Training [small cost of £35 applies] 
• Support from Your SU
• Support from university student support services 
• Access to SuPA – Sunderland Professional Award 

Skills & Attributes 

As a wellbeing champion you will develop a range of skills and attributes including, but not limited to:  

• Empathy: being able to understand and relate to the experiences and emotions of others is crucial for supporting their wellbeing.  
• Active Listening: being attentive and actively listening to individuals’ concerns and challenges without interrupting or judging them.  
• Communications Skills: effectively conveying information, ideas, and resources to individuals, both verbally and in writing.  
• Non-judgemental Attitude: demonstrating an open and accepting approach, free from personal biases or preconceptions. 
• Confidentiality & safeguarding: respecting individuals’ privacy and when to maintain confidentiality and when safeguarding takes over, when dealing with sensitive information or disclosures.  
• Problem Solving: helping individuals identify and explore solutions to their challenges, providing guidance and support as needed.  
• Resourcefulness: familiarity with available campus resources, such as counselling, disability support, academic advice and other support networks.  
• Interpersonal Skills: building positive relationships and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.  
• Time Management: balancing volunteering commitments with personal and academic responsibilities by prioritising tasks effectively.  
• Self-Care: recognising the importance of self-care and maintaining your own wellbeing, especially when supporting others.  
• Flexibility: being adaptable and open to different situations and needs, noting that each individual may require a unique approach.  
• Cultural Sensitivity: respecting and valuing diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring inclusivity in the support given.  
• Problem Awareness: understanding common mental health challenges and issues faced by students, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.  
• Collaboration: working effectively with other wellbeing champions, wellbeing volunteers, sabbatical officers, university, and students’ union staff to coordinate and enhance support services.  
• Resource Knowledge: familiarity with available wellbeing resources both within the university and wider community.  
• Emotional Intelligence: being aware of and managing your own emotions, as well as recognising and responding to the emotions of others in a constructive manner.  
• Patience & Compassion: understanding that everyone’s journey is unique and being patient and compassionate when supporting individuals through their challenges.  
• Boundary Setting: establishing clear boundaries to maintain a healthy and appropriate relationship with those being supported.  
• Crisis Response: how to recognise and respond appropriately to emergency situations or when immediate intervention is required.  
• Reflective Practice: Engaging in self-reflection and seeking feedback to continually improve in your leadership role as a wellbeing champion.