What’s it like using PeerChat at The Mix?
PeerChat is a free, one-to-one webchat service for young people aged 16 to 25 across the UK. It connects you with a trained PeerChat Supporter — a person who understands how tough life can feel sometimes, and is here to listen and help you figure things out.
It’s not therapy - it’s simply a supportive conversation with someone who gets it.
How do I sign up for PeerChat?
The sign-up process is quick and simple.
- Book a session through our website.
- Choose a time that works for you.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email when your appointment is set.
Before your appointment, you’ll get a short message introducing your PeerChat Supporter and explaining how your chat will work. You don’t need to prepare anything — just show up as you are.
If you don’t receive the confirmation email within an hour, you can contact us so we can double-check everything and make sure your session is booked correctly.
It’s normal to feel nervous
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step — especially if you’ve never done it before.
You might be thinking things like:
- What if I don’t know what to say?
- What if they don’t understand me?
- What if I get emotional?
All of these feelings are completely normal.
PeerChat Supporters are trained to help you feel comfortable. You don’t need to know exactly how to explain things — together, you’ll work it out at your own pace.
How does PeerChat work?
PeerChat is a one-to-one typed webchat that lasts around 45 minutes - a one-time service, available for each young person once every 12 months.
Your PeerChat Supporter won’t give advice or tell you what to do. Instead, they’ll:
- Listen to what you’re going through
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Help you reflect on what’s going on for you
- Support you in figuring out what you might want to do next
It’s a shared conversation — one human talking to another — without judgement or pressure.
What can I talk about during PeerChat?
Anything that’s on your mind. You might talk about:
- Stress or anxiety
- Feeling lonely or disconnected
- Difficult friendships or relationships
- Identity or self-confidence
- Uni, school or work pressure
- Low mood or motivation
- Feeling stuck and not knowing why
You don’t need to have a “big issue” to use PeerChat. Your feelings are valid, even if you’re not sure how to describe them yet.
While we appreciate you may be seeking support for multiple topics, to get the most from your session please choose one priority theme to dedicate your 45 minute PeerChat to.
What will my first PeerChat session be like?
The chat will start with a simple introduction, and your PeerChat Supporter may ask:
- How’s your day been?
- What made you book a PeerChat session?
- What feels most important to talk about today?
There’s no right or wrong answer. You don’t need to have everything figured out — you can take your time.
Your PeerChat Supporter won’t share their own story, but they will share understanding, encouragement, and grounding support.
Silence, pauses, or typing slowly are completely okay.
There’s no rush.
How can I make the most of my session?
- Try to find a quiet space where you feel comfortable if you can.
- Talk about whatever feels real for you — big or small.
- You can stop and take breaks in the chat if you need to.
- Be gentle with yourself afterwards — emotional conversations can bring up feelings.
You don’t need to “prepare” or show up in any particular way — just be you.
Is PeerChat confidential?
The aim of PeerChat is to keep the sessions confidential, however if we are concerned about your immediate safety, or in some instances, the immediate safety of others then we may need to pass information on to another agency; such as Emergency or Social Services. The PeerChat supporter would explain to you what is happening.
Who is PeerChat for?
PeerChat is for you if:
- You’re aged 16–25
- You live in the UK
- You want to talk to someone who understands life’s ups and downs
PeerChat is not suitable if:
- You are 26 or older, or younger than 16
- You live outside the UK
- You need immediate crisis support
- You've already used the PeerChat service within the last 12 months
If you are already receiving counselling or waiting for counselling, you can still use PeerChat alongside it.
If you’re currently in danger or at risk of harm, please contact emergency services (999), go to A&E, or reach out to:
- SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258
- Papyrus HopelineUK: 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans: 116 123
- CALM (for men or people who identify as male): 0800 58 58 58
Ready to talk to someone who understands?
Book your free PeerChat session now.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
One conversation could change everything.
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