Find out more about peer support across King's and KCLSU, supported by KCLSU Wellbeing.
Peer Support Partnership
The Peer Support Partnership (PSP) supports new and existing peer support schemes to thrive through partnering with student and staff leads to create resources, build community, and share best practice.
University peer support is “a student-led, collaborative, and safe space with a common purpose focused on supporting each other as peers” (Pointon-Haas, 2024, p. 229)
There are many types of peer support with different terminology used to refer to them depending on the institution. However, at KCLSU we recognise the following forms and definitions:
- Peer Mentoring: Higher year or more experienced student peers supporting lower year or less experienced students
- Peer Learning: Convening student peers based on academic objectives
- Peer-led Support Groups: A group of peers gathered for mutual support
- One-to-one Peer Support: One-to-one approach for student peers in need of support
(Pointon-Haas, 2024, p.122)
Within peer learning, we focus on peer-assisted learning (PAL), another name for SI-PASS (Supplemental Instruction Peer-assisted Study Sessions), which is a collaborative peer learning model developed in the 1970s to help students excel in challenging courses. (European Centre for SI-PASS, 2025)
If you are a student or staff lead of a peer support scheme or are interested in starting one:
Any King’s students and staff who are interested in peer support can join the PSP by requesting to become a member of our Teams site. You can do so by emailing us at [email protected]
By joining the Peer Support Partnership, you get access to the following resources:
- Bi-monthly Peer Support Partner meetings and dedicated Teams channels where we share best practice, collaborate and support each other
- King’s Mentoring Award for your peer mentors and PAL leaders to get basic training and recognition
- Student Minds-accredited Wellbeing Skills for Student Leaders workshop to equip your peer supporters with the skills to support peers with their mental health and wellbeing
- Handbook templates for peer mentors and PAL leaders
- Icebreaker ideas and a pub-style quiz for use at inductions and socials
- Pre- and post-PAL session evaluation templates for participants to complete
- PSP-branded merchandise to be used as incentives for student volunteers
- For student-led schemes only: the offer from KCLSU Wellbeing to advertise your scheme in KCLSU newsletters and on the @kclsuwellbeing Instagram
- The ability to have your scheme listed on this webpage!
If you are a student interested in becoming a peer supporter or participant:
Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Schemes
1st Year Buddy Scheme (Physics)
Contact: Anna Chapman, [email protected]
School of Global Affairs (SGA) Peer Mentoring
Contact: Student Engagement Officer, [email protected]
BSc Psychology Mentoring Scheme
Contact: Jonathan Nassar, [email protected]
Arts & Humanities Buddy Scheme
Contact: [email protected]
You can find the Arts & Humanities Virtual Student Hub here.
KBS Student Engagement Mentors
Contact: [email protected]
Postgraduate Peer Mentoring Schemes
International Postgraduate Researcher Buddy Scheme (iPGR Scheme)
Contact: Edward Mushett Cole, [email protected]
More information can be found here.
HSDTC PGR Buddy Scheme
Contact: [email protected]
This buddy scheme is open to doctoral researchers in the health science faculties. More information can be found here.
Specialist Peer Mentoring Schemes
KCLSU Buddy Scheme
Contact: [email protected]
This mentoring scheme is specifically for Widening Participation students. You can find out more about the Buddy Scheme here.
King's Student Money Mentors
Contact: [email protected]
More information can be found here. You can also view our Instagram page and our blog.
Peer Learning Schemes
School of Bioscience Education Peer Assisted Learning Scheme
The Peer Assisted Learning scheme in the School of Bioscience Education is led by students for students. Students run workshops and tutorials that are optional to attend, informal sessions to help you make the transition to university study and assessment. They are also a great place to ask questions and build networks and friendships with other students. More information can be found here.
KBS Peer Learning Mentors
Contact: [email protected]
Nightingale Peer Assisted Learning Scheme
The Nightingale PAL Scheme is a student-led initiative that provides a supportive, judgement-free space for Nursing and Midwifery students to practice key clinical skills outside of the curriculum. The sessions are held at regular intervals and students can attend skills sessions to consolidate their learning, with guidance from trained peer leaders who have previously been in their position.
The scheme is run by the Nightingale Society and the SAiL Centre (Shepherd’s House).
For more information or to get involved, please contact Rahina Inayat Ali [email protected] or the Nightingale Society [email protected]
Other Peer Support Schemes
KCL PhD Peer-Support
Contact: Xenia Stieger, [email protected]
King's College London's Faculty of SSPP is setting up mental wellbeing peer support sessions for PGR students only. It is designed as a space for PhD students to come together, talk about our mental wellbeing, combat PhD isolation, share advice and support one another. More information can be found here.
Non-Peer Support Schemes
Leadership Mentoring Programme
The Leadership Mentoring Programme supports students by enhancing their confidence, relationship-building skills, and career readiness. Participants are paired with alumni mentors for six months, receiving personalised guidance from experienced professionals. The programme is open to 2nd, 3rd year, and Postgraduate students. More information can be found here.
Gym Buddies
The Gym Volunteer Scheme partners volunteers with Active Wellness Scheme participants who have completed the programme for support, companionship and safe workouts. Find out more here
References
Pointon-Haas, J. (2024). WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT? AN EXPLORATION OF PEER SUPPORT IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING (pp. 122-229) [Doctoral dissertation, King’s College London]. Unpublished.
European Centre for SI-PASS (2025). Learn More About SI-PASS. Retrieved from https://www.si-pass.lu.se/about-si-pass/si-pass-around-world (17 June 2025)