Innovation
This is a peer support project that obtained funding to target support and developmental opportunities at articulating students, students from MD20 areas and any ‘regional challenges for other groups we might identify’, such as students who are under 18 or students with additional learning needs. The funding for the first year of this project was used to undertake a systematic review and internal and external scoping exercises that, combined, would provide a useful overview of the evidence that is available around student peer support.
This is the second year of the project and we are in the process of training staff to assist peer supporters. We are preparing senior students to be actively involved in providing peer support in a variety of ways e.g. ‘buddying’ first year students, taking part in recruitment and interview days, assisting with clinical skills learning and facilitating workshops for local school children.
What prompted innovation?
The aim is to have a positive impact on our regional coherence (articulation with schools, FE and HE) and assist in our efforts to improve retention by offering another layer of support.
What makes innovation different?
- the idea of ‘mentoring pre-entry’ contributes clearly to our regional coherence aim by creating a new way for us to work with colleges to meet the ‘needs of potential student and employers for core higher education’ and may also boost ‘access to core higher education for students who want to remain in the region’. If developed fully, it could also play a part in developing a ‘strong regional focus’ which will have potential benefits into the future.
- the ways forward could work very neatly together to offer a range of opportunities for students to both access and offer support, while complementing existing provision. This could be a visible, effective component in the university’s development of a ‘more planned and coherent system’.
Changes in practice
In order to meet the outcomes outlined in the original PASS proposal, the first year of the project has concentrated on gathering evidence about the effectiveness of existing student support schemes within and out with the university to avoid duplication of role. This has allowed the project team to make recommendations for developing academic student peer support within the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care that will contribute to and enhance the support already offered and will allow specific targeted support to students who may be vulnerable. It is believed that providing this extra level of support will positively influence our students from MD20 areas and any ‘regional challenges for other groups we might identify’, such as students who are under 18, and will serve as good practice for wider student retention.
Impact
- To date we have had a good response from senior students willing to be part of the project. They have been involved in: recruitment and selection days across schools, colleges and within the university; supporting first year students learning clinical skills and assisting at student induction days and open days. All peer support students have reported very positively about their own personal and professional development being part of the project.
- No formal evaluation of the impact of the project on regional coherence has yet been undertaken.
Dissemination
- The project team have disseminated the findings to the school of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care at an all-school forum. Staff in the school are committed to making the project a success.
- The project was presented at a national conference on recruitment and selection organised by NHS Education for Scotland.