WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY: USM STRENGTHENS STUDENTS’ ROLE AS PSYCHOSOCIAL PEER SUPPORTERS
In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to advance its commitment to promoting mental well-being across the campus community through the organisation of the Bootcamp: Psychosocial Support for Peers.
The programme, organised by the Counselling Unit, Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA), was recently held at the Student Activity Room, KOMCA.
The programme focused on equipping student volunteers with essential psychosocial support skills to better understand the emotional challenges faced by their peers, provide early support, and recognise when professional assistance may be needed.
Through this initiative, USM aims to cultivate a campus culture that is caring, inclusive, open to conversations on mental well-being, and free from stigma.
Such efforts are crucial in nurturing a student community that is more aware of and responsive to the emotional and psychosocial needs of fellow students, while strengthening peer networks as a first line of support within the university environment.
According to the Chief Administrator of BHEPA USM, Siti Aisyah Abdul Raffar, the initiative reflects the University's commitment to empowering students to support one another as they navigate the academic, social, and personal challenges of university life.
Reinforcing this perspective, the Material Director of Boston Scientific Medical Device, Cheong Yew Ooi, highlighted the importance of developing psychosocial support competencies among university students, noting that peer supporters can play a valuable role in providing early assistance and encouragement before individuals seek professional help.
Also in attendance was Senior Assistant Registrar of the BHEPA Counselling Unit, Raja Salwati Raja Othman, together with officers from the unit, who demonstrated their continued support for efforts to strengthen students' capacity as psychosocial peer supporters on campus.
To further enhance participants’ competencies, the programme featured Dato’ Dr. Florence Sinniah from the Sneham Malaysia Welfare Organisation, who delivered five comprehensive modules covering the fundamentals of mental health support, communication and active listening skills, Psychological First Aid (PFA) and crisis management, referral pathways, as well as self-care practices for volunteers.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, USM, through its BHEPA Counselling Unit, remains committed to strengthening student well-being through preventive strategies, early intervention, and improved access to professional support services.
These efforts contribute to the development of a more compassionate, responsive, and resilient campus ecosystem where every student feels supported and empowered to thrive.
