Student Advisor Christine Taylor tells us how she supports students with their mental health, what she’d like students to know about making an appointment with her, and shares her grandad’s top tip for picking new books to read.

Hi Christine! Can you tell me a bit about your role and how you support students?

I meet students to talk about their mental health and anything in general that’s worrying them – and that can be at any time during their studies.

I work with students to come up with a plan that can improve their situation. That might involve tips to help them manage their stress and anxiety in the short term, and also looking at coping techniques that can help them in the longer term.

Students come to me in different ways. They might have made an appointment through the Student Services Hub, or they could have been referred to me through their personal tutor or lecturer. I can meet with students in-person or over Teams, or I can chat to them on the phone – it’s whatever works best for them.

How did you get into this role?

I’ve been a registered Mental Health Nurse for over 10 years now.

I worked in the NHS for the first part of my career, and it was actually through working in the NHS that I meet a Mental Health Advisor from the University. I’d never heard of that role before and thought the job sounded really interesting. I was really lucky that I noticed when a job came up at Stirling. So, I applied for it and, well, here I am!

What is your favourite part of your job?

I really love being able to see the progress that students make. When I first meet with a student, things might not be going well for them, academically or in their personal life but, over time, I get to see them progress to a place there things are totally different for them – they’re loving being a Stirling student and they are doing well for themselves. That’s always great to see.

I also like that, being part of Student Support Services, I can offer holistic support for students. For example, if a student happens to mention they are worried about money, I can help them set up an appointment with one of our Student Money Advisors.

What would you want students to know about this service?

The hardest thing can be making that first appointment with the Student Services Hub but, once you’ve done that, we’ve got you.

You don’t need to worry about who to ask for, just answer the questions of the Student Hub Assistant and we’ll put all the support in place. We’re not just going to signpost you to another organisation, we’re going to work with you and provide tailored support based on your needs.

Can you tell me a fun fact about yourself?

I read… a lot. That’s my go-to thing. I probably read a book a week as I’m a fast reader. It’s an ongoing joke in my family that if you get me a book, I’ll disappear off the face of the earth until I finish it.

I learned a good tip from my grandad that, to find a new book to read, all you have to do is open a random book and read one page and, if you like that page, read the book. I’ve always stuck to that.

Thanks for speaking to us Christine!

The Student Services Hub brings lots of services together to help you resolve a range of queries through a single point of contact, easily access the services you need, and thrive during your studies. Find out more on the University of Stirling website.