Kerriva is passionate about helping others and chooses to spend much of her time volunteering for charities to promote mental health and support vulnerable people. Hear from Mental Health Mentor Kerriva:
“My name is Kerriva and I’m studying BSc (Hons) Psychology with a Year in Professional Practice. My interests lie at the intersection of mental health, wellbeing, and marketing, shaping how I approach both my academic work and community involvement. I’m currently on placement as a Research Assistant and also work as a Content Creator with Kent Students’ Union. Outside of university, I love travelling and exploring new places, and I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections and positive impact within my community.”
Tell us more about your volunteer work with charities to promote mental health and support vulnerable people. Why is this important to you?
“Volunteering is a huge part of who I am and sits at the centre of everything I do. My work focuses on promoting mental health, reducing isolation, and creating spaces where people feel supported, heard, and connected. I currently volunteer with organisations including Samaritans, Mind, Keep Talking Services, Kent County Council, and the British Psychological Society (BPS), and I also sit on the Wellbeing Student Advisory Board.
A large part of my volunteering takes place on campus, where I work to bring mental health conversations into everyday student life. Through my role with Samaritans, I raise awareness of the charity and the support it offers by hosting events and leading campaigns. Most recently, I organised a Brew Monday event and ran a Men’s Mental Health Month campaign called Message for a Mate, encouraging students to check in on one another and normalising reaching out for support.
I also champion mental health through my work with Mind. As a Wellbeing Ambassador and Social Media Officer for East Kent Mind Society, I raise awareness of mental health services, share messaging with the student community, and support campaigns and events. In November 2025, I took part in Mind’s 5K Fun Run, which brought together 330 participants and helped raise £7,000 for the charity, highlighting the power of community engagement in promoting wellbeing.
Some of the most rewarding work I do happens one-to-one. As a Telephone Befriender with Keep Talking Services, I provide a listening ear to individuals experiencing loneliness or emotional distress. Through Kent County Council, I support Family Hub stay-and-play sessions, helping children and families through early developmental activities. As a BPS Student Ambassador, I also deliver talks on mental health, career pathways, and psychology resources.
This work is important to me because I genuinely care about people and the difference even small acts of support can make. Wellbeing affects every part of how we live, learn, and connect, and I’ve experienced this firsthand as an international student adjusting to a new country. Volunteering allows me to turn empathy into action, providing support, reassurance, and connection to others, while giving me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.”
What are some of your favourite things about the University?
“One of my favourite things about the University of Kent is the strong sense of community. There are so many opportunities to get involved, whether through volunteering, student roles, societies, or creative projects. I also really appreciate how supportive staff are, particularly within the School of Psychology, and how much emphasis is placed on wellbeing alongside academic success. The campus itself is beautiful and feels like a welcoming space to both study and socialise, which has made my university experience genuinely enjoyable and fulfilling.”
What advice would you give to Kent students?
“My advice to Kent students would be to make the most of the opportunities available to you, even if they feel slightly outside your comfort zone. Getting involved in volunteering, part-time work, or student roles can really help you grow personally and professionally. I’d also encourage students to prioritise their wellbeing and reach out for support when they need it. You don’t have to navigate everything alone.”
What are your plans for next year?
“Next year, I will be graduating, beginning the next chapter of my journey. I’m excited to apply the skills I’ve gained through my placement, volunteering, and content creation to make a positive impact. I also plan to travel and explore new places, continuing to broaden my perspective while advocating for mental health and supporting my community. Alongside this, I intend to explore postgraduate opportunities in psychology, with the goal of building a career that combines research, clinical practice, and meaningful social change.”
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