Over the past year the Sussex Buddy Scheme has worked with over 400 student volunteers who have supported over 900 students who are new to Sussex or have felt isolated due to the pandemic. Through regular social interaction with their buddies, our volunteers have helped to build confidence, self-esteem and structure for so many students. The scheme could not function without these students who have given up their time to support and welcome other students – we would like to say thank you to all our Buddies!

We’re excited to announce that the Buddy Scheme is now open for 2021/22.

We’re looking for students to become Buddy Scheme Mentors (volunteers) for the academic year 2021/22, who’d be happy to contact or meet up with a small number of students once or twice a week. You’d be there to provide a friendly ear and to check on how they’re getting on.

You can use your experiences and knowledge of university life and the local area to help answer their questions. We wouldn’t expect you to act as a counsellor and have lots of services you can signpost them to should they need it.

The amount of time that you commit can be flexible, depending on your timetable and availability. This is a social and fun position that you can add to your CV and will enhance your whole university experience!

As a Buddy Scheme Mentor (Volunteer), you can choose to be matched with students (from 1-5) who are new to Sussex and you will provide peer support for your assigned buddies and help them settle into life at Sussex using your experience and knowledge of University life and the local area. 

The work that you will do in this role can really make a difference to other students and the training is designed to support you to achieve the most out of your role.

Please click here for the full role description.

If you are interested in signing up as a Buddy Scheme Mentor (volunteer) please apply here to support new students joining us in September.