ECU's new peer-led space breaking down barriers

First published by Edith Cowan University

Research shows that mental health challenges can greatly hinder academic achievement, and for many, these challenges are compounded by difficulties accessing support.

ECU is tackling this issue head-on, launching The Living Room (TLR) on 5 March 2024 – a new, peer-led, low-barrier mental health service designed to provide an alternative space for students to seek help without the usual hurdles.

When students step into TLR, they are greeted with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a space designed to put them at ease.

TLR project lead at ECU Dr Amanda Cole is pleased to be able to highlight the immediate impact of the service.

"In Semester 1, 122 students accessed The Living Room, and already this semester, 135 have come to speak with a Peer Support Advisor (PSA)," said Dr Cole.

"The service has surpassed my expectations in terms of delivery, collaboration with university teams, and most importantly, it's already making a meaningful difference for those who have engaged with it."

Positioned as an early intervention space, TLR is a place where students can speak openly about their concerns, from academic stress to more complex social and emotional issues. The peer support advisors are trained to engage in empathetic, supportive conversations, helping to address immediate concerns while also guiding students toward additional resources if needed.

Breaking down barriers to support

The Australian Universities Accord Final Report (2024) has highlighted student wellbeing, including mental health, as an area in need of ongoing attention. The report indicates that stress and health issues are among the top reasons students consider leaving university early – a trend that has only increased over time.

Dr Cole explains that critical services like TLR are stepping in to make a difference.

"Traditionally, accessing mental health support involves long wait times, intimidating processes, or even the fear of judgment. By contrast, peer-led spaces like TLR offer a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can speak to someone who truly understands their struggles."

Low-barrier mental health services like TLR are designed to break down the obstacles students face when seeking help.

ECU's Dawn Reid, Coordinator of TLR said that balancing study, work, and adapting to a new environment can often prevent students from seeking support.

"So, we've created welcoming spaces like the TLR Café, open on Wednesdays after service hours where students can relax, enjoy some cake, engage in activities, and connect with peers in a casual setting. This initiative helps create a safe, informal atmosphere, encouraging students to explore how TLR can support their individual needs and break down barriers to accessing our services," said Dawn.

A healing environment

When students step into TLR, they are greeted with a space very consciously designed to welcome them and put them at ease.

From the comfortable seating and warm lighting to the special Peer Supports Advisors (PSAs) this 'welcome greeting' is focussed on creating an environment of acceptance and connection.

An integral part of this welcoming into the space is the beautifully calming artwork at the threshold - The Journey Atlas.

Explaining the significance of Lizzy Stageman's 'The Journey Atlas' at The Living Room launch.

The Journey Atlas is by Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji Nations artist Lizzy Stageman, born 1966, 2022 print on wall vinyl.

The large circular concentric shapes are Lizzy's depiction of a traditional Aboriginal symbol for a campsite or place of rest. These symbols represent the many places that she has been, and the places that her ancestors were before her. You will notice that some of these symbols are not complete. The incomplete symbols represent places Lizzy visited that did not feel like ‘home’. The notion of these circles as resting places and healing spaces resonates through the design of The Living Room – in the curved timber screens of the terrace, in the textured rest areas of the carpet and in the curved detailing through the space.

Creating a space for connection and community

More important than the physical space with its comfortable seating and warm lighting – it's the special people who put students at ease. The Peer Supports Advisors (PSAs) are on hand to offer non-judgmental, peer-to-peer support, creating an environment of acceptance and connection. Peer support advisors have been through similar experiences and provide a unique, empathetic approach that resonates with fellow students.

James a PSA at The Living Room, shared his perspective on the power of peer support:

"Do not underestimate the power of peer support, I have seen many student guests who initially were guarded and uncomfortable to engage in a conversation but once I informed them that I am a student at ECU they quickly realise that I understand their journey and can empathise with their struggles, so they are comfortable to proceed with the conversation; and they feel empowered after having the conversation because the recommendations we make are super useful."

Anecdotal student comments from TLR feedback and evaluation survey attest to the value of shared conversation and a safe space: "The space and staff were so welcoming and warm. I felt comfortable away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the university."

By addressing not only mental health but also academic stress and social integration, TLR takes a holistic approach to student wellbeing. The service goes beyond simply addressing a student’s immediate mental health concerns, encouraging early intervention, and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

One student shared that the peer-led nature of the service made it feel more approachable:

"I am so thankful for the team supporting me in a difficult time and having such a short drop in notice availability. I wish more universities adopted this service because I can’t highly recommend it enough to my peers. It is hard to work myself up to bring myself here or to reach out, but it is so worthwhile, and I feel so much better after, having my concerns heard while also being offered options for further support services," they said.

The power of peer support

Peer support is at the heart of TLR's success in supporting students. By equipping PSAs with specialised training (Cole & Reid, 2024), ECU has created a model where students can receive tailored support. The training program is designed to ensure that PSAs are prepared to meet the diverse needs of their peers, including recognising early signs of mental health struggles, and knowing when to refer students to more formal services.

One student shared, "I was really stressed about a lot of stuff; the conversation actually helped me to be at peace." Another student added, "It's a very valuable service, where I felt safe and not judged."

These testimonials highlight the significant impact of the peer support model in fostering a supportive environment for students navigating their mental health challenges.

Students were also asked in the feedback survey, "What did they find most valuable about their interaction with the PSA?" Dr Cole noted that it was encouraging to see the positive responses, which reflected the core aims and principles of TLR as a safe, welcoming space where student concerns are heard and addressed through peer-led conversations. "The feedback highlights the value of our approach," Dr. Cole said, with 51% of students noting that having their concerns heard was the most valuable aspect, followed by 31% appreciating the information and resources provided, and 18% finding value in the connection to other supports recommended during their visit.

According to early data from semester 1, 2024, the reasons students come to TLR are varied and often multifaceted (Cole et al., 2024 -in publication). It’s important to note that students could select more than one reason for seeking support, which is why the percentages don’t total 100%. The Welcome and Wellbeing Questionnaire completed by students revealed that mental health and wellbeing concerns were the primary reasons for visiting (77%), followed closely by academic challenges (65%), and interpersonal struggles (45%). The findings highlight the complexity of issues students face, with many reporting multiple overlapping concerns.

While some students use the service while waiting for appointments with formal counselling services, others had never sought help before. This highlights the importance of TLR as an entry point for those who might otherwise have slipped through the cracks.

Looking ahead

TLR's success so far shows the potential of peer-led, low-barrier services to address the growing mental health needs of university students. The initial feedback from students suggests that many find the peer support model to be less intimidating and more relatable than traditional services.

Excitingly, the TLR will open on the Mount Lawley campus in early 2025, creating greater accessibility for students across its locations. Looking ahead, the university is also preparing to bring this peer-led support to its City campus in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to student wellbeing across all its campuses. Dr Cole says, "it will be important to undertake ongoing reviews and evaluation of the service, to ensure its meeting the evolving needs of the students and broader university community." Dr Cole added "as TLR continues to grow, ECU will remain at the forefront of innovative mental health support for students, promoting a culture where seeking help is not just encouraged but seen as a positive, proactive step."

Ethics approval for this study was granted by ECU's Human Research Ethics Committee 2023-04966-COLE.

Cole, A. L., & Reid, D. (2024). The Living Room peer support training: Leading the way in unlocking mental health benefits for university students in peer-led service models in higher education. Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association. https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2024-2-01

Cole, A. L., Navin, F., & Reid, D. (2024). Exploring University Student Mental Health and Wellbeing through a Low Barrier Peer-Led Service: Emerging Insights from The Living Room. Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association. Currently in publication.

The Living Room Fund

In the first semester of the program at Joondalup in 2024, we've seen a great uptake of The Living Room service.

We've seen diverse student engagement across different ages, cohorts and courses.

And we've increased awareness around what supports are available around mental health and wellness as well.

But with over 30,000 students across three campuses and online, we need further support to ensure this service is available to students who are in need.

Your support will enable us to continue to offer and improve this vital mental health service for our students.