Sheffield Hallam University Evaluation Repository

The impacts of a Sheffield Hallam university male student peer support group (Talk Club) on its peer facilitators

WOLSTENHOLME, Claire and SEN, Jozef (2024). The impacts of a Sheffield Hallam university male student peer support group (Talk Club) on its peer facilitators. [STEER Evaluation Collection] [STEER Evaluation Collection]

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Abstract
This small-scale evaluation explores the impacts of a male-only peer support group, Talk Club (TC), on its peer facilitators (captains) at Sheffield Hallam University. The TC was implemented at Hallam to address the underutilization of university wellbeing services by male students, providing a male only wellbeing support group that was peer led. Hallam Talk clubs ran as weekly sessions led by three male student captains, supported by the Lead Wellbeing Practitioner (LWP). The study aimed to understand the perceptions of the impacts on the male student peer facilitators themselves of their role as Captains leading the Talk Clubs at Hallam. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through focus groups and interviews with the Captains and the LWP. Thematic analysis revealed significant benefits for the Captains, including improved relationships, enhanced communication skills, and reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness. Key factors contributing to these outcomes included the structured format of TC, consistent support and training from the LWP, and the Captains' own previous experiences with mental health support. Findings suggest that university-based male-only peer support groups can help to address the challenges male students face in discussing mental health and help to develop feelings of belonging and community amongst this demographic. Future research or evaluation work could seek to understand the perception of male attendees of the Hallam Talk Club. The TC format could also be tested with other student groups with a shared demographic.
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