Nightline is a student-run, confidential, and non-judgemental peer-to-peer support listening service for students at the University
Nightline is a student-run, confidential, and non-judgemental peer-to-peer support listening service for students at the University. Open from 8pm to 8am every night of term, their volunteers are there to listen to anything that students want to discuss through calls, instant messaging, or email. Regardless of whether it seems trivial or difficult, they listen without judgement. No issue is too big or too small – whether it’s a relationship issue, overwhelming workloads, financial stress, or just simply needing someone to talk to, Nightline are here to support us. BathTime talked with some Nightline volunteers to understand what Nightline means to them, and what drove them to get involved.
Why did you want to get involved in Nightline?
- I thought it sounded like such a lovely service and wanted to make sure it could continue, so I applied! I’m passionate about the importance of listening and wanted to learn how to be a better listener.
- When I first heard about Nightline, it struck me as a fantastic peer support initiative for university students. Having never been involved in a volunteering opportunity like this, I thought it would be a meaningful opportunity to join.
What does Nightline mean to you?
- It’s a community of people who want to be there for others and help each other get better at active listening.
- In my first year, Nightline provided me with the chance to meet new people and develop my skills, both as a listening volunteer and a person. By my second year, I became committee member, and Nightline took an even deeper significance for me. I gained a greater understanding of how the service operates and insight into the inner workings of an organisation I’d grown passionate about.
The first Nightline was started at the University of Essex in 1970 by Professor Hoskins and Reverend Malcolm France. Aware of the stress students were experiencing, they asked student volunteers to provide emotional support for others. Today, around 40 universities have Nightlines and more than 2000 volunteers nationwide. NLAW is a week to spread awareness for Nightline as a national movement to champion student mental health. This year, the theme was ‘Kindness’. But what does this mean to the volunteers at Nightline?
What does ‘kindness’ mean to you?
- For me, showing kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, it’s in the small actions we take every day. These little moments can make a big difference and might just brighten someone else’s day!
- Friendliness goes a long way, oftentimes interactions that make me smile are from friendly strangers – you never know if you’ve made someone’s day just through your friendliness. Patience is important – everyone has things going on. Giving people the space to make mistakes without making them feel less than can help them feel comfortable and at ease and can help them improve! Lastly, curiosity is important – showing you’re engaged with what someone is sharing, and asking questions can make people feel good. Not everyone gets the chance to share things about themselves and curiosity can foster connection with others.
How to contact Nightline
Call – the number on the back of your library card
Message – via bath.nightline.ac.uk
Email – listening@bath.ac.uk
If you need support, please contact Nightline, Student Support, or reach out to friends and family. No one should suffer in silence.