Peer support groups
What are peer support groups?
Peer support groups are when people who have similar experiences of something come together to support each other. Peer support usually:
- provides a safe space where you feel accepted and understood
- treats everyone’s experiences as being equally important
- involves both giving and receiving support
- allows you to choose which parts of your personal experience you talk about, seek support for and use to support others.
Peer support can be helpful on its own, or it can be something you try alongside treatments for a mental health concern – or even as a helpful way of getting support while you are on a waiting list for a treatment. Lots of people find peer support improves their wellbeing and their ability to cope.
Read more about peer support on mental health charity Mind’s website.
What peer support groups are available?
We have listed below several peer support groups that are running in the local area and some of these are on campus. If a suitable peer support group isn’t listed here, you may want to look at our Local and National Services page where you can find lots of resources, including organisations who offer online peer support groups.
Small, confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns. Offering a safe place for you to come and talk, listen or just be. Find out more about Georgia’s Voice on their website.
Falmouth and Penryn Group - Mondays from 18:30-20:00 in the Park Family Hub in Falmouth. What3words - farm.valid.bland
Confidential and non-judgemental peer support in an informal, safe and relaxed environment for men who are struggling with any kind of mental health concerns. Find out more about Man Down Cornwall on their website.
Falmouth Group – Fortnightly Thursdays from 19:00 until 21:00 in the Dracaena Centre. See the Man Down Cornwall meetings calendar for the next session.
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Or just creative?
Pop into to our Creative Wellbeing Space or come along to a Workshop to unwind and try something new. The Creative Wellbeing Space is a holistic wellbeing space where we provide materials for arts and crafts or just an opportunity to chat to someone. The Workshops are led by guest speakers, who are there to share their creative passions. These sessions are perfect for those who want to try something new.
Our Creative Wellbeing Space Workshops are held twice a month on alternative Wednesdays from 1-2pm in Courtyard Room 7.
The next Creative Wellbeing Space will be held on October 1st. The next Creative Wellbeing Workshop will be held on October 15th, a mindfulness poetry hour led by Chloé Eathorne. Or catch us at the Wellbeing Fair on October 8th for more information.
These sessions are open to everyone regardless of their skills and there is no expectation for output. We just ask that everyone is respectful so that the Creative Wellbeing Space can remain a supportive environment.
Let's Talk About Loss is a peer support group for students who have been affected by bereavement. It’s an opportunity to be with people who understand the experience of loss.
The group usually meets on the the third Thursday of each month, from 5.30pm-6.30pm, alternating between the Falmouth and Penryn campuses, so either:
- In the Multi-faith Chaplaincy room in the Fox Building on the Falmouth Campus, or
- At the Multi-faith Chaplaincy in Tremough Barton Cottage 8 on the Penryn Campus.
These are cosy and inviting spaces.
The remaining dates for 2025 are as follows:
18th September – Falmouth Campus
16th October – Penryn Campus
20th November – Falmouth Campus
11th December – Penryn Campus
Email Gemma from the Multifaith Chaplaincy team if you need directions or have any questions, she will be happy to help: chaplaincy@fxplus.ac.uk
This scheme offers support for 1st year undergraduate students with a disability, pre-arrival and throughout the academic year, as part of the transition to university. These 'Mentees' will be matched with 'Mentors' (2nd-final year students with a disability) after A-level results day; but if you would like to get involved in the scheme at any stage as a Mentor or Mentee, please email Peer Support (peersupport@exeter.ac.uk).
You can find out more about this scheme and other peer mentoring schemes on offer, including discipline-specific schemes, on the Peer Support website.
Please note: While they will support you with this transition, please be aware that Mentors do not replace paid teaching staff and so please seek advice from the relevant support services at the University where needed.
