Nightlines are autonomous and independent of each other but all Nightline Association members adhere to the following.

 

 

 

We listen because giving students undivided empathetic attention and the opportunity to explore their feelings in a safe, objective and caring environment alleviates distress and feelings of despair, provides perspective and gives them the space to identify the options open to them – so they can come to their own solution or resolution. All our Nightilnes adhere to the following principles:

 

 

 

If you call us the person you talk to will be a student at your university (or one of the universities served by your Nightline as some Nightlines cover two or more universities in a town).

 

Nightlines rely entirely on students devoting their time to be trained, do nightly duties, answer calls and train new volunteers in turn. Nightline volunteers work for Nightline in their own time, in addition to their studies. Some Nightlines have only a dozen volunteers whilst others have more than two hundred.  An elected student committee are normally responsible for management, administration, training, fundraising, publicity and volunteer recruitment. Some have a sabbatical coordinator or receive administrative help, support or guidance from their university or Students' Union. London Nightline are the only service financially able to employ staff.

 

Nightline is a peer service and as such is unable to extend its services to non-students. Want to Volunteer for Nightline - click here to find your local Nightline

 

 

All volunteers undergo training before dealing with the emotional or practical issues that fellow students might want to talk about. This is led by experienced Nightline volunteers and is commonly supplemented by sessions with the university counseling service and external organisations such as Samaritans, B-eat, National Self Harm Network, Alcoholics Anonymous and Rape Crisis.

 

Training prepares volunteers to cope with the wide range of issues that may arise in the course of a call. Volunteers undergo mental health awareness training and learn active listening skills. They learn how to explore issues in a non-directive and empathetic way, to reassure distressed callers, to ask sensitively about both factual and emotional topics and to help callers come to their own solution or resolution.

 

Can your organisation support Nightline? If so, please contact us using enquiries@nightline.ac.uk