ANONYMOUS PEER-TO-PEER MOBILE SUPPORT FOR STUDENT AND STAFF MENTAL HEALTH: A MIXED-METHODS FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A UNIVERSITY-BASED APPLICATION

Abstract

Mental health difficulties among university students and staff are widespread, yet stigma and limited accessibility continue to prevent many affected individuals from seeking support. This study evaluates the feasibility of Talley, a mobile application designed to connect users anonymously with trained “listeners” who provide peer-based emotional support. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 130 respondents (109 students and 21 staff members) at a UK university via a self-administered Qualtrics questionnaire, supplemented by a comparative analysis of ten existing digital mental health platforms. Results show that 70.6% of students and 52.4% of staff had experienced mental or emotional distress affecting their studies or work, while over 80% of both groups indicated they would use an anonymous support application if it were freely accessible. A majority of respondents (66.7–70.6%) also expressed willingness to train and volunteer as peer listeners. Comparative analysis revealed that few existing platforms combine full anonymity with 24-hour accessibility and trained peer support, representing a viable market opportunity. The findings support the development of anonymous, institutionally-endorsed peer support tools as a low-cost complement to formal counselling services, while highlighting the need for sustainable funding models, volunteer recruitment strategies, and robust safeguarding protocols.