Want to build a compassionate campus community
Apply to become a peer supporter in Saathi Support!
Saathi Support is a programme designed to help university students manage low mood and associated life difficulties. We are looking for student volunteers who want to be trained as part-time peer supporters, called Saathis, to help their fellow students.
Who is a Saathi?
A Saathi is a paid part-time student volunteer trained to provide one-on-one support to fellow students, helping them build coping strategies for managing low mood and life difficulties.
Who can apply to be a Saathi?
You are eligible if you:
- Enrolled in a regular undergraduate (1st/2nd/3rd continuing into 4th), postgraduate (1st), or doctoral program (only applicants in the age bracket of 18-24 years) at a participating college (please refer to the list of colleges towards the end of the survey) in Delhi NCR until at least July 2027.
- Currently living in Delhi/NCR and residing in Delhi/NCR until at least July 2027.
- Are at least 18 years old and no more than 24 years old.
- Able to attend a mandatory 40-hour (approximately 2 weeks) training programme, followed by a 10-hour role-play assessment, during breaks/evenings/weekends between June to July 2026. [The entire duration of the training will be 2-weeks. This is a tentative timeline and prior notification will be shared before the actual training session.]
- Able to commit upto 8 hours per week to support peers, document sessions and attend supervision meetings during the semester.
- Ready to serve for at least one academic semester (August-December 2026), with the option to extend up to two, based on performance and intent.
No prior experience or knowledge in Psychology is needed - just your willingness to help others!
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and disciplines who are passionate about peer support and fostering a compassionate campus community.
Applicants graduating (passing out) in June or July 2026 are not eligible and should not apply.
What are the responsibilities of a Saathi?
|
Responsibilities |
Description |
Estimated duration |
|
Participation in training workshops |
Complete comprehensive training |
Two weeks |
|
Weekly responsibilities |
Provide one-on-one support to upto 3 students at a given time using techniques learned in training |
3 hours per week, during the academic semester |
|
Document meetings conducted with students using the provided templates |
1 hour weekly |
|
|
Join supervision sessions with program psychologists and other Saathis |
Individual supervision: Frequency: weekly to start with and then fortnightly (1 hour) Group supervision: 1.5 hours fortnightly |
|
|
Participate in refresher training as needed |
Half-day each month |
How will being a Saathi benefit me?
You will:
- Gain valuable peer support skills and learn effective helping strategies, guided by national and international experts.
- Receive a stipend.
- Earn a certificate for your contributions as a Saathi.
- Make a real impact on improving the well-being of fellow students.
- Boost your resume with this unique and meaningful experience.
How can I apply?
The application process includes the following steps::
- Fill in the online application form (it will likely take 20-25 minutes to complete the form)
- If your application is shortlisted, you will receive an email inviting you to a brief in-person/online meeting to assess your readiness for the role
- Successful candidates will participate in a two- week training.
- Trainees will be evaluated on their knowledge and helping skills learned through the training.
- Trainees demonstrating the competencies in knowledge and skills required for the role will officially join the Saathi Support after completing consenting procedures.
Who is organising Saathi Support?
Saathi Support is part of the METROPOLIS research study. This study is working to design, deliver, and evaluate peer-led mental health support programs for students in India and beyond. This study will help us answer questions like: What do students experiencing depression want out of mental health support? How can peers offer support? Which students benefit most from this support?
The study is led by experts in youth mental health from nonprofit organizations and universities. Their collective expertise ensures the program is impactful and meaningful.
Whom can I talk to if I have any questions?
If you have any questions, please write to: saathi.recruitmentjgu@gmail.com
Please include "Saathi Role Inquiry" in the subject line of your email.
You can also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document: Click here
Please note: Saathi Support programme is only available in the following select campuses:
- OP Jindal Global University
- Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College
- Ramanujan College
- Vivekananda College
- Sri Venkateswara College
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS)
- Daulat Ram College
- Mata Sundri College for Women
- K.R. Mangalam University
Please check your college eligibility before applying!
Thank you for reading the information sheet!