How many times can you recall your best friend or colleague coming to you for advice? Many individuals tend to seek advice or counselling from those closest to them rather than visiting a professional. In many instances the friend whom is giving the advice can only provide a temporary fix for the situation. How many times can you recall your best friend or colleague coming to you for advice? Many individuals tend to seek advice or counselling from those closest to them rather than visiting a professional. In many instances the friend who is giving the advice can only provide a temporary fix for the situation. At Northern Caribbean University (NCU), we have a Peer Counsellor’s Club that trains individuals to detect problems that are not easily seen. These individuals then guide their peers to receive professional help.

The Peer Counsellor’s Club is the offspring of a Peer Counsellor’s Training Programme that was initiated by Mrs. Herlene Hall from the Guidance Counselling Unit of the Ministry of Education. During this time, 62 students from NCU signed a remnant to complete the Programme. Since its inception, several training sessions were organized and facilitated by faculty and staff members from the University’s Department of Behavioural Sciences.

NCU students are attracted to this informational display mounted by members of the Peer Counsellor’s Club on the institution's Mandeville campus 

The programme begins every August at the start of a new academic year and lasts for 5-6 weeks. During this time, students are required to complete a certain number of voluntary hours. This voluntary service allows the trainees to utilize what they have learnt in the Programme. It also determines whether these students will be permitted to graduate. Upon completion of the Programme, a closing ceremony is conducted for the participants where individuals are pinned and awarded Certificates of Participation. 

The peer counsellor’s club aims to develop within  participants:

•  a sense of self-worth and confidence
• the ability to appreciate the worth and dignity of  individuals
• the ability to relate to others and understanding their differences
• the ability to share in others’ problems, helping them to  think through and work out their own solutions
• the ability to show care and concern rather than acting as a “know it all” while giving advice
• the ability to set a good example of citizenship
• the ability to recognize a serious problem and refer individuals to a professional who can offer more assistance 
• the ability to motivate and educate persons towards responsible living
• the ability to receive information and keep it confidential

Participants who have completed the Programme tell us that they have been transformed to transform others. They say that they have been better equipped to assist their fellow citizens in making wise decisions and have helped them tackle life-changing problems. These participants tell inspirational stories of growth in self esteem, respect for others and their problems, and an understanding of people's behaviour and how to relate to them. 

You too can help serve humanity in the preparation of individuals to function professionally in the environment in which they choose to work, live, raise families, and do business. 

Join us so that we may uplift you to uplift others. For further information please contact Mrs. Maureen Morgan at the Counselling Services Department at (876) 963- 7457.