MyUHS/CMHC Portal
Contact
About Healthyhorns Who we are, resources, and more
University Health Services Medical care and public health leadership
Counseling and Mental Health Center Mental health support
Longhorn Wellness Center Prevention, education and outreach

Longhorn SHARE Project

Peer Support for Social and Emotional Wellness

Longhorn SHARE (Support, Healing, Active listening, Reciprocity, Empowerment) Project is a social connection and mental health peer support program created by and for UT students. “Peer support” can occur in any setting where two or more people with a shared experience or challenge intentionally give and receive support. At UT, our trained SHARE Support Specialists facilitate welcoming, non-clinical groups and other opportunities on campus where students can share wisdom and encouragement, validate each other’s struggles, find community, and grow together.

What We Offer

SHARE Communities: Find Your People

I felt so at home being a part of my SHARE Community. I felt fully seen and cherished (and able to be myself) for the first time in a long time, and it was so meaningful.

quotation mark

SHARE Communities are students-only open groups on a range of topics where peers with similar interests, concerns, or wellness goals can share support and build relationships each week. SHARE Communities combat loneliness and support social self-efficacy by giving students a place to let down their guard, feel seen and valued, and directly benefit others going through similar struggles.

All SHARE Communities are created and facilitated by peer SHARE Support Specialists and are open to all UT students at any time during the Fall and Spring semesters.

SHARE Circles: Bring SHARE to Your Group

I enjoyed being vulnerable with my classmates and learning that while everyone is struggling in their own ways, they are finding ways to cope.

quotation mark

SHARE Circles give student organizations, student leaders, classes, and other groups a chance to learn more about each other through opening up about common challenges or goals with the friendly guidance of a SHARE facilitator. SHARE Circles are ideal for groups hoping to build community, mutual understanding, and active listening skills.

Our facilitators prepare Circle questions to fit a specific theme requested by each group. Popular themes have included imposter phenomenon, healthy relationships, stress management, social comparison, career anxiety, and more!

Student Leadership Opportunities

The Longhorn SHARE Project accepts applications for each new cohort of SHARE Support Specialists once a year in October. Admitted students must commit to participate for a minimum of three semesters including the training semester in the Spring.

SHARE also hires a Graduate Student Assistant each academic year, and our staff often supervise undergraduate and graduate interns enrolled in academic research and internship courses.

Support Our Work

If you believe in the work we’re doing, consider supporting us with a donation! We can accept gifts of any amount online through UT’s giving site under the designation “Longhorn Wellness Center”. Just add a note to indicate that you’d like your gift to benefit the Longhorn SHARE Project! Read more about our needs and impact.

SHARE Stands For:

SUPPORT

Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and understood by people who “get it”, who assume the best of them even when they struggle, and who are willing to trust and grow alongside them as partners and friends.

HEALING

Opening up to others and receiving confirmation that you are not alone is both healing and affirming. Healing can be messy and nonlinear, and sharing our imperfections with peers can reduce stigma and encourage self-compassion..

ACTIVE LISTENING

Good communication requires being present, practicing curiosity and empathetic listening, and asking questions to clear up confusion and help others understand themselves more fully. We aim to model and teach these habits across campus.

RECIPROCITY

Peer support is built on the belief that we can all benefit from the wisdom of our shared experiences, resources, coping strategies, and emotional support as a community of equals.

EMPOWERMENT

We aim to demystify and normalize conversations about mental health, decrease stigma, and share balanced, relevant information so our peers are empowered to make informed decisions. We do not make assumptions or decisions about others’ needs without their consent.

More Information

To learn more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email longhornshareproject@utexas.edu