Buddy Schemes

About the Buddy schemes

There are two UPSU buddy schemes available for all Plymouth University Students to access. These aim to provide support and assistance for anyone who wants it. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. 

You can either sign up to become a buddy and support wellbeing in the students community or sign up to access a buddy. 

More information on both schemes can be found below.

Welcome Buddies

Can you remember what your first week at University was like? These first few weeks can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking for many. We are looking for confident, friendly students to participate in this year's Welcome Buddy Scheme.

These volunteers will be available during Freshers to support any students on campus, helping them settle into university life. We hope these volunteers will be a friendly face on campus or walk around various events with those who need it – you may even be the first person they speak to.

There is the potential for volunteers to lead walks around the Barbican and the Hoe to help new students see more of the city. Our main goal is to make students feel more comfortable on campus and make that transition more fun.

Times and days are flexible, it’s a voluntary role, but you will receive a wristband which gives you access to all Freshers’ events in the SU. If you have free time between the 18th and 29th of September, please sign up here:
Welcome Buddy Sign Up

If you have any questions, please get in touch on: buddyscheme@su.plymouth.ac.uk

Become a Buddy
Get a Buddy

How many hours would you like to commit a week?

 

Do you want regular free activity sessions each week or flexible, social meetings?


We recommend the SU Buddy Scheme for you

Become an SU Buddy

You can still choose to sign up to the BARS programme if you wish.
Become a BARS Buddy. Email: samuel.harlow@su.plymouth.ac.uk


We recommend the BARS Buddy Scheme for you

Become a BARS Buddy. Email: samuel.harlow@su.plymouth.ac.uk

You can still choose to sign up to the other SU Buddy scheme if you wish.
Become a SU Buddy


Due to your answers you are suitable for either programme. We would recommend you read the information boxes below and select the most suitable for you.

Become a BARS Buddy. Email: samuel.harlow@su.plymouth.ac.uk

Become an SU Buddy

SU Buddy Scheme

Get a Buddy

BARS Buddy Scheme

BARS is a referral buddy scheme. You can be referred to the programme in multiple ways. Through your personal tutor, the Wellbeing Services Hub or Resident Assistants. If you believe you would benefit from this programme, please seek the above avenues to progress you referral.

SU Buddy Scheme

Many of you may be finding University life daunting. Knowing where you can meet new people, exploring campus, and settling in can be challenging and overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone.

If you’re looking for someone to meet for a coffee, to try a new sporting or cultural activity with or just to have a chat with (in person or virtually), then sign up as a participant in the UPSU Buddy Scheme. Buddies are also available to support you through your first social or session within a club or society and can be accessed throughout the University year.

The Buddy Scheme is designed to be very informal – it’s just a chance to meet someone new, boost your wellbeing and combat loneliness through the support offered by a student just like you.

Be Active, Reduce Stress (B.A.R.S)

Be Active, Reduce Stress (BARS) is a wellbeing referral project that utilises peer support and activity to assist in supporting improve students with low level mental health.

Referrals come from the University of Plymouth wellbeing services, personal tutors and Residence Assistants to ensure only students with low level mental health such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, overwhelmed etc utilise the project.

Once the student and buddy are paired they are able to access the Give It A Go activity timetable for 6 weeks for free. GIAG is a weekly timetable of low level activities on or close to campus such as; Yoga, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Football, Swimming that would usually cost £3.50 per session. The buddy will know all the information for each session and will offer to attend with the student to reduce stress and anxiety levels. As a group of students and buddies we will also organise group activities such as; walking around the Hoe, pottery painting, jump, stand up paddleboarding and more to encourage students to explore their University city and partake in opportunities they would not usually access. 

Contact us

If you have any questions or just want to find out more, please get in touch with us


SU Buddy Scheme
buddyscheme@su.plymouth.ac.uk
BARS Buddy Scheme
samuel.harlow@su.plymouth.ac.uk