You can take part if you are: Between 18 and 24 years oldComfortable in English or Hindi Experiencing low mood. By low mood, we mean feeling down or sad for days or weeks at a time, and/or losing interest in things you used to enjoy Enrolled at one of the partner colleges. This currently includes: Jamia Milia Islamia University Daulat Ram CollegeOP Jindal Global University Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College Vivekananda College Sri Venkateswara College Ramanujan College University College of Medical SciencesMata Sundari CollegeK.R. Mangalam University

Step 1: Suitability check Read a detailed information sheet to learn more about joining Saathi Support and the related research study. Fill out a short online form to help us check if the programme is right for you.If the programme is not right for you, we will provide a help-sheet listing other sources of support available outside the study. Step 2: Give consent If the programme appears suitable, you will be invited to provide your digital signature on a consent form. A team member will contact you within 2 days to explain the next steps. Step 3: Fill out study questionnaires You will receive a link to online questionnaires that ask about your mood, anxiety, current stressors, activities, experiences at college, coping strategies, well-being in different areas of life, and use of other support services. Completing the questionnaires takes about 30–45 minutes. You can complete them on your own or with support from our team. We will then review your responses to confirm that the programme is a good fit for you. Step 4: Start the programme You will be paired with a Saathi, who will contact you to schedule your first meeting and begin the programme.

You will be paired with a trained student, called a Saathi, who will support you in learning and practising new coping skills. You and your Saathi will meet 4-5 times, with meetings lasting around 45 minutes. Meetings will take place approximately once per week, either online or in-person, based on your preference. You will receive a booklet with step-by-step guidance and examples to help you apply new coping skills in your daily life.

A Saathi is: A college student trained to support others Not a professional counsellor or therapist, but they will be supervised by expert psychologists Not someone close to you — and if you feel uncomfortable, you can ask for a different Saathi Someone who will keep what you share private and confidential

Your information will be kept safe and private  Only the research team can see your personal information We may only share your details if there is a serious safety concern