Ive had an idea in my head for a while of a buddying system in practice. I dont know if any Uni's currently have one but this is my thinking....

Year 1 students have a 'buddy' in the year(s) above, they keep in touch via email/msn/meeting whatever they choose, but the buddy has the role of advising and supporting the newbie in practice.

For example when I started the course I wasnt sure what to take on placement with me, what do I need? what do I wear? whose who? where's the canteen?! I know the mentor has a role in this obviously but I am thinking from a peer support angle. I also think having a friendly familiar face in practice will make those first few weeks less daunting....

It could be set up fairly easily, via email from a course lecturer/head when they are contacting the newbies about personal tutors perhaps? and for those base sites that have more or less students than others maybe buddys can have more than one newbie.

It wouldnt be time consuming as its basically just making a friend on placement before you get there, and also someone to ask the questions you dont feel comfortable with hitting your mentor with in the first few days.

It would be a purely support role, with the aim of taking some of the anxiety out of going on a new placement for the first time.

Any comments?

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