Student Welfare Representatives are unlikely to be trained counsellors, but they will be aware of the problems faced by students, can offer a listening ear and advice on other sources of support. Welfare officers often make information on health issues available in leaflet form. In some cases they organise social events for students.
Welfare officers are approached both by students in distress and by others who are concerned about a fellow student and are not sure what they should do. When students don't want to take their problems to a friend, but do not want to approach more formal sources of support either, welfare officers offer a middle-ground.
Students at Oxford University can find details of their College's individual welfare representatives by clicking on the link to their College on Oxford University's web site.