Barbara Young
Critical Responder
Barbara joined the University in the role of Critical Responder within Student Services in January 2021. The primary focus of her role is to provide triage, welfare support and ongoing referral to students presenting with a wide range of issues outside daytime hours (5.00pm - 9.00pm) Monday to Friday.
She initially studied Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, then went on to do a BA (Hons) in Social work there. As well as working with children, families and care leavers in the social work arena, she also has extensive experience working with young people in the field of substance misuse, supporting them to overcome their addictions and co-existing mental health difficulties. More recently she has focussed on working with the student population, specifically at the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, by providing one to one support to students with a wide range of social and emotional issues, disabilities and academic barriers.
She has a keen interest in mental health and is passionate about supporting young people to overcome any difficulties they may be facing, empowering them to achieve better outcomes and realise their full potential. Having qualified as a TESOL tutor, she also particularly enjoys working with overseas students and marginalised groups.
Outside of work, she enjoys keeping fit by swimming, running and doing yoga, travelling, cooking, gardening, anything to do with the great outdoors, and spending time with her beloved cats.