Peer Support
Last updated 26/02/24
There are numerous peer support groups at the University of Exeter ran by students. Time and time again we’re shown the power of peer support – if you’re contemplating signing up we definitely recommend giving it a go and seeing if it’s for you!
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Guild Peer Support Groups
ADHD - "Hello! We are Exeter University's ADHD Peer Support Group. Established in 2023 with the aid of the Students' Guild, University Wellbeing Services and Multi-faith Chaplaincy as of January 2024 we are now up and running with weekly group meetings. Based out of the Neil Cross room (All praise to the chaplaincy) we are currently running one meeting a week on Thursday mornings. An additional in-person meeting starting in the afternoon for the benefit of the night Owls in our community, as well as an online option, are also planned once we've expanded our facilitator corps. Student or staff, fresher or postgrad, diagnosed or no, you're welcome to come along!"
ED – “The Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group (EDPSG) are a volunteer-run group who aim to offer a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment for fellow students with eating difficulties or body image issues. No “diagnosis”, membership, or fee is required to attend our sessions. Instead our Wellbeing trained facilitators create a place where struggling students can open up about their difficulties and offer support to others going through similar things. We aim to run sessions once a week during term time, where two facilitators are present. We also use various social media platforms to advertise our sessions, promote eating disorder awareness and pass on resources for support. Follow us on Instagram (@edpeersupportexeter) for latest updates. Feel free to DM or email (edpeersupport@groups.exeterguild.com) us with any questions!”
PWPS – “We are here for you as a student-led group that creates safe and informal wellbeing support. Whether you’d like to chat about something on your mind with our friendly student facilitators or attend a free art session, we provide a listening ear and access to activities that promote wellbeing when talking feels daunting.
Weekly support sessions: Drop-in to a support session run by two of our student facilitators, who lead discussions around that week’s topic. Session topics and locations are announced on our Instagram each week and sessions cover themes such as low mood, anxiety, academic struggles and loneliness. The themes brought to each session are there to help guide the discussion but if you come to one of our sessions and want to discuss a different area of mental health, or what's been going on for you that week then we will absolutely do that. Feel free to come just for a chat and a listening ear.
Self-care support sessions: Creative-based sessions with our creative facilitator and guest teachers. Session topics and locations are announced on our Instagram and include meditative drawing workshops, mindfulness colouring and crafts, with all the materials provided. Come along whatever your art level for a relaxing activity and to meet new people.
Follow us on Instagram @peersupportexeter for more support group updates and information.”
University Peer Support Groups
Fatigue Social Group – A student support group designed for anyone who experiences fatigue and share experiences. The group is not just people with a diagnosed condition and encourages everyone to pop in at any point during the year. The group is facilitated by AccessAbility and Wellbeing staff and is a relaxed environment where you can chat, play games and do craft. Details on group can be found here.
The Autism Spectrum Community (ASC) Social Group – A student social group that welcomes any student identifies with autism spectrum conditions (such as Asperger's syndrome), or believes they would benefit from being involved. The group is facilitated by two AccessAbility advisors and involves varying activities such as games or crafts – it is not essential you take part in the activities if you do not want. Any questions please email accessability@exeter.ac.uk or visit this page for more information.
Peer Support – Based within the StudyZone department students can access informal support through Peer Mentor schemes whereby higher year students can provide advice and guidance in relation to either academia (e.g. same module or discipline) or about transition into university life. More information available here. Alternatively, you can contact them via peersupport@exeter.ac.uk or on instagram @uoepeersupport.
Peer Support Services
Neurodivergent and Disabled Students Society – Within the Neurodivergent and Disabled Students Society, we strive to create a community for all disabled students, including neurodivergent, physically disabled, learning disabled, mentally ill, self-diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Our society provides a space for students to meet others with similar experiences through our regular social events such as game nights, cafe trips, special interest presentation nights, and regular community forums. As a society, the NDSS also works to campaign and raise awareness for disability rights issues, whether these are accessibility issues faced by a single student, or regulations that impact the entire student body.
For more information or if you have any questions, join our Discord Server or follow our Instagram.
Instagram: @NDSS_Exeter
Join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/Z5a4yftZjH
Contact our email: NDSS@groups.exeterguild.com
Nightline – Exeter Student Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening service, run by trained student volunteers for students at the University of Exeter.
You can find our phone number on the back of your student card. We also operate an instant messaging service accessible via our website.
To find out more about us, access our online messaging service, or learn about volunteering with Nightline, please visit our website: https://www.exeter.nightline.ac.uk