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Longhorn SHARE Project

Peer Support for Social and Emotional Wellness

Peer support occurs when individuals with similar life experiences give and receive support. College students often turn to peers (trusted friends, partners, siblings) first when they’re struggling with something, and forming close connections is crucial to our mental health at any age.

However, genuine social connection and belonging can be difficult to find in college - particularly post-pandemic - and the demand for mental health resources also continues to rise. Many students hesitate to seek clinical support during tough times due to stigma or other reasons, but if they lack close friends at UT they may not know where to turn. The Longhorn SHARE Project was created to address these gaps, offering a variety of peer-led opportunities since Fall 2022 for students to connect around similar experiences, share wisdom and resources, build interpersonal confidence, and find their place while supporting others in return

How is This Different from CMHC or Other Peer Programs?

Our “SHARE Support Specialist” peers fulfill a unique role on campus. SHARE peer support is non-hierarchical, and non-clinical, differentiating it from peer mentorship and peer education. While their spaces often have a positive impact on mental health, peer support is a complementary service that provides connection and empathy. It is not a substitute for clinical mental health services, which may be necessary for students dealing with more complex challenges.

To break it down further:

What Do SHARE Peers Do?

SHARE Support Specialists are fellow UT Austin students who have “been there” and are motivated by the desire to connect, reduce stigma, and support peers navigating similar challenges. Struggling with loneliness or impostor feelings? Anxious about future decisions? Unsure how to communicate your needs or boundaries? The Longhorn SHARE Project is here to listen and support all students.

What Training Do SHARE Support Specialists Have?

SHARE Support Specialists are UT Austin undergraduate and graduate students who have completed the Mental Health First Aid certification and a full semester of training in active listening, motivational interviewing, group facilitation and more. They are also well-versed in campus resources and can help their peers locate additional support options on campus if needed. SHARE Support Specialists are trained in peer support, but they are not licensed mental health professionals providing clinical services.

Is Peer Support Confidential?

All activities and spaces led by our SHARE peers are confidential. Respecting and protecting privacy is essential in establishing trust, creating a comfortable environment, and reducing the potential for harm, and the Longhorn SHARE Project is committed to these goals.

As with any other confidential setting, the only exception would be a situation in which a SHARE Support Specialist has reason to believe someone is at risk of imminent, serious harm to themselves or others. If they are unsure, Specialists are asked to consult with their program coordinator or a CMHC clinician for guidance. Longhorn SHARE Project staff and students are committed to transparency and involving peers in decision-making wherever possible to maximize safety and autonomy for all.

SHARE Support Specialists are not considered mandatory reporters under Title IX, and are therefore not required to submit reports to their office based on information shared by peers in SHARE spaces. However, students seeking support related to interpersonal violence are encouraged to connect with the Title IX Office, Student Outreach and Support, and/or Voices Against Violence clinical staff who have additional resources and training around these concerns.

SHARE Stands For:

SUPPORT

Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and understood by people who “get it”, who assume the best of them even when they struggle, and who are willing to trust and grow alongside them as partners and friends.

HEALING

Opening up to others and receiving confirmation that you are not alone is both healing and affirming. Healing can be messy and nonlinear, and sharing our imperfections with peers can reduce stigma and encourage self-compassion..

ACTIVE LISTENING

Good communication requires being present, practicing curiosity and empathetic listening, and asking questions to clear up confusion and help others understand themselves more fully. We aim to model and teach these habits across campus.

RECIPROCITY

Peer support is built on the belief that we can all benefit from the wisdom of our shared experiences, resources, coping strategies, and emotional support as a community of equals.

EMPOWERMENT

We aim to demystify and normalize conversations about mental health, decrease stigma, and share balanced, relevant information so our peers are empowered to make informed decisions. We do not make assumptions or decisions about others’ needs without their consent.