When you call Nightline, you can expect a calm, comforting voice to answer the phone. After that, what we talk about is up to you – Nightline offers a space where you can feel comfortable talking about whatever is on your mind. You can expect a nonjudgmental and empathetic ear to really listen to what you have to say.

There is no one specific reason that people call Nightline. From relationships to eating disorders, from depression to academic stress, students call Nightline to talk about a wide variety of concerns, and no problem is too big or too small. Because our listeners are anonymous and non-judgmental, some of the normal stressors and anxieties around confiding in another person are absent in a conversation with Nightline. It can sometimes be easier to talk to a peer who can relate to what you’re going through or to someone that you don’t know.

Nightline listeners are compassionate and committed students of the University of Stirling. Each listener has training on a wide range of issues, like academic stress and anxiety. All Nightline Peer Listeners remain anonymous throughout their time on the lines.

Nightline volunteers are trained to help you organize and reflect on your own thoughts. Although they may signpost you to other resources on campus, they will not provide personal opinions or advice. We prioritize a non-judgmental approach in order to create a space where you can feel safe and comfortable opening up about anything without fear of how the person listening might react.

Students can call Nightline for a wide variety of reasons; by no means do you have to call about one specific event. Many students call to reflect on events in the past, ongoing concerns, and even just feeling lonely or down.

Nightline listeners are trained to speak with students who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, but we are not a suicide hotline. A majority of our calls are not about suicide, and we encourage students to call to discuss any issue.

Nightline is here to get you through the night. Although a peer listener may not be able to directly change your situation, peer listeners are trained to provide appropriate resources and support, providing a safe space to explore what is on your mind. Sometimes it can be helpful to just talk about it and know someone is there to listen.

It is completely appropriate to tell the peer listener that you do not want to talk about a particular topic.

Both Nightline callers and listeners remain completely anonymous. If by chance you think you might recognise the voice on the other end of the line, feel free to ask for another volunteer.

If you would feel more comfortable speaking to someone of a different gender than that of the listener that picks up the phone, don’t hesitate to mention your preference. It is not always possible for us to accommodate this request, but we will do our best.

Did you call Nightline and not get an answer? If so, it could be that all the lines are busy. Feel free to wait a few minutes and call back. If you are in crisis or need help right away, students should call 999 first if needed, then campus security if on campus. Tel. 01786 467999

Yes! Nightline is always here to listen to whatever is on your mind.

Of course! However, please keep in mind that Nightline is a short-term resource, meant to help you get through the night. Nightline is not a substitute for the ongoing, personal support that a professional counsellor or therapist can offer.

We are closed during academic calendar holidays, through the week Monday 7AM – Thursday 10PM and may occasionally have to close due to unseen circumstances. We regularly update any other emergency changes in service on our Facebook page.

First of all we’re sorry you had a bad experience with Stirling Nightline, please contact us via our contact form on the contact us page or simply by using our email nightline@stir.ac.uk so we can resolve your matter appropriately.