Local and national services
Local and national services
This page contains contact details and information about local and national services that we think are useful.
You can also see our groups and workshops pages for further non-emergency support options.
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Offers resources, workshops and mentoring to support you with your academic work. |
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Disability Support, Wellbeing Services
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01392 723880 Supports students experiencing a range of issues, including physical disabilities, medical conditions and learning difficulties. Specific emphasis is on how your difficulty might impact your ability to study and cope at University. |
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Confidential and informal service for students or staff involved in cases of harassment or bullying (including those facing allegations about their behaviour). Advisors can listen, talk through the options available and signpost to appropriate services. |
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Team dedicated to advising and offering practical support to non-UK students. |
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01392 724381 Supporting students experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, with specific emphasis on how your health is impacting on your ability to study and cope at University. |
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| Mullti-Faith Chaplaincy |
01392 263649 A Multi-Faith team encouraging spiritual wellbeing and supporting people to practise their religions. No requirement to practice a religion to access the service, which includes confidential listening support regarding any issue of faith, life, or personal matter. Accessible 24 hours for urgent talking support. |
| Speak Out Guardians |
These pages give information on the support available for incidents of bullying, discrimination or harassment (including but not limited to racism, homophobia or sexual discrimination). You can confidentially report any incidents, no matter how big or small. |
| Students' Guild support |
01392 723520 Student’s Union for University of Exeter students. Representing the voice of the student body and ensuring every student gets the most out of University. The Advice Unit offers information and confidential advice for a range of worries and problems – from course problems and landlord issues, to personal concerns and money difficulties. |
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01392 676606 GP/doctor's surgery for students. |
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| Students with families, or caring responsibilities |
Information and relevant signposting for students with families regarding issues including childcare, accommodation and local support. These pages also contain helpful information and contacts for care-experienced students and those students who are estranged from their families. |
| University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café |
The University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café is a place for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, intersex and gender questioning students and staff to meet and share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space. We are currently using an online platform that does not require downloads or special software and includes text communications, so if you are closeted and unable to talk where you are, you can still be included. Please contact transcafe@exeter.ac.uk for details or if you have any questions. |
| Nurture-U: Therapy research for students |
Nurture-U is a research project that wants to improve student wellbeing. The project is testing different therapies and self-help programmes in three different research trials. Our trials are: Bounce Back – which involves a supported workbook to build resilience in students Reducing Worry and Building Confidence – which involves a self-help app for students who want to reduce worry and overthinking Internet Cognitive-Behavioural therapy – which compares supported versus self-guided online therapy for students with symptoms of anxiety and depression – this includes the chance to obtain the Silvercloud Mental Health programme used by the University with support from a coach This is a great opportunity to receive personal mental health support while also contributing to research that aims to improve support for students. More details about the three trials can be found on the study website: https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk/research-trials. Please find out more at our website or our Instagram, or email nurture-u@exeter.ac.uk if you have any questions. |
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An Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group which meets on campus and is run by Exeter Student Minds. |
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| Fixers |
Website encouraging 16-25year old’s to become ‘fixers’ who share their own personal stories and passion to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Plenty of info and resources about many issues. |
| Look After Your Mate - Student Minds |
Information for students worried or concerned about a friend’s mental health. |
| The Mix |
UK’s leading support service for under 25’s. Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs. 24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline. |
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Free, impartial advice on student finance and money matters. |
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| Students Against Depression |
Website run by students for students offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking. |
| Student Minds |
The UK's student mental health charity. Empowering students with knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health as well as to support others. |
| University Mental Health Advisers Network |
Network of Mental Health Specialists working in Higher Education. Information on support available for students with mental health difficulties. |
| What's Up With Everyone? |
A new online resource which is about opening up the conversation on mental health, and addressing common themes young adults might experience in a meaningful and friendly way. Supported by the Mental Health Foundation. |
| Name | Contact |
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BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) |
The professional body that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for clients of therapy, therapists, and the public. Offers info about therapy and how to find a therapist in your area. (Personal health insurance may cover counselling fees) |
| Choices Pregnancy Centre |
Exeter based charity offering safe space to talk about any concerns relating to pregnancy, miscarriage, still-birth, cot death and post-termination. |
| Cruse |
0808 808 1677 Support for people after bereavement. Free, confidential, local support and counselling by telephone, email or face to face. |
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Providing support in groups, activities or one-to-one, for children and young people (age 5 – 25) before an expected death and following bereavement. Based in Exeter. |
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01392 406151 The Exeter branch offers a wide range of support, including counselling, to anyone at any stage of a cancer diagnosis, their carers, relatives or friends.
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01392 284263 Enabling and supporting minority ethnic communities living in Devon. Offers activity & interest groups, mentoring, training, signposting and counselling. |
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01392 499388 Low cost, local counselling service run by counsellors and psychotherapists in training. Free 30-minute initial consultation. |
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01392 256711 Local, low cost counselling service staffed by either fully qualified, or final year Diploma level counselling trainees. Cost will be assessed and agreed according to ability to pay. |
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01395 277780 Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide. |
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0300 772 9681 Support and counselling for couple and family relationships, past, present or future, regardless of whether you are currently in a relationship or not. Contact local service for fees. National website offers chat online with trained counsellor. |
| Name | Contact |
| Turn2me |
A website that helps people get help, lets people know they are not alone, and facilitates a safe online community space that encourages people to open up and reach out for help. Offers free group sessions facilitated by a counsellor. |
| QWell |
Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK: includes personal development tools, online chats and community support |
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BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) |
0161 7054304 The lead organisation for CBT in the UK. Information and advice about finding a private CBT therapist in your area. (Personal health insurance may cover counselling fees) |
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A website that helps you locate Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services in their local area. |
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NHS Talking therapies - self-referral (Cornwall) |
01208 871 905 Free confidential talking therapies for people who are registered with a GP in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. |
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TalkWorks (Devon) (previously known as The Depression and Anxiety Service - DAS) |
0300 555 3344 Free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service based in Exeter. Offers treatments and therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You can self-refer by completing their online registration form. |
| Name | Contact |
| Cybersmile |
Committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online. Offers information, resources, community forum and access to trained support advisors. |
| Devon Rape Crisis Centre |
Helpline: 01392 204174 Confidential, professional support by phone, email or face-to-face, for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse. |
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Helpline: 0800 999 5428 Advice, support & advocacy for people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Also supports LGBT+ people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. |
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Inquiry into extent institutions and organisations in England and Wales have taken seriously their responsibility to protect children. Although investigating institutional failures, rather than individual cases, the experiences of victims and survivors are central, and IICSA are working with victims and survivors who want to assist the Inquiry by sharing their experience of sexual abuse. |
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| IKWRO |
0207 9206460 Support, practical information and advice for Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls at risk of Honour Based violence, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation. |
| Karma Nirvana |
0800 5999247 Supporting victims and survivors of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. Dedicated helpline offering listening, practical support and guidance when you need it. |
| Mankind Initiative |
Helpline: 01823 334244 Information and confidential helpline for all men suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner). |
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Resources and confidential, online chat for men who have been sexually abused, sexually assaulted or raped. |
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0300 3034626 Devon & Cornwall SARC, run by the NHS, offers immediate medical care and support following rape or sexual abuse from its centres in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. As well as medical care, they offer forensic medical examination, access to crisis workers, sexual health, guidance through the police reporting process (optional) and onwards referral to an Independent sexual violence advisor and counselling services. People can access the service via the 24/7 helpline or via this quick get help! form. |
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0808 802 0300 Information and advice about personal safety. National Stalking Helpline offers advice and guidance to those concerned about stalking or harassment, either to themselves or another. |
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| Victim Support Devon |
0300 303 0554 Devon branch offering practical and emotional, free, confidential support for people affected (whether directly or indirectly) by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported. |
| Women's Aid |
0808 2000 247 National charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Information, resources & 24-hour helpline. |
| Name | Contact |
| Anxiety UK |
Information and resources about all types of anxiety and phobias. Membership subscription offers access to reduced cost therapy for students. |
| OCD UK |
An OCD charity that is completely service-user led, for children and adults with OCD, run by sufferers, for sufferers. Offering resources, support forums and information. |
| SAM |
Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) An evidence-based app which helps you to understand and manage anxiety |
| Samaritans |
Telephone: 116 123 24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts about suicide. Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10:30am – 9:30pm seven days a week. |
| SilverCloud |
Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details. CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image. |
| Youper |
Website and app offering tools, tips and support to help build confidence and reduce social anxiety. |
| Name | Contact |
| Cruse |
0808 808 1677 Cruse support people after bereavement. Free, confidential, local support and counselling by telephone, email or face to face. |
| Hope Again |
Cruse Bereavement Support's website for people aged 12 to 25 years old. Online resources including personal stories of others facing grief and email support. |
| Balloons |
Providing support in groups, activities or one-to-one, for children and young people (age 5 – 25) before an expected death or post bereavement. Based in Exeter. |
| Blue Cross |
0800 096 6606 Helpline & support for those grieving or faced with the loss of a pet. |
| The Good Grief Trust |
A Trust run by the bereaved for the bereaved to offer information, advice, support and signposting to relevant services. |
| Pete's Dragons |
Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide. |
| Cornwall Bereavement Network |
A site to find relevant resources for the bereaved community in Conrwall such as funeral planning, legal services, counselling or support groups. |
| Name | Contact |
| Befrienders Worldwide |
Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide. |
| Samaritans |
Telephone: 116 123 24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts of suicide Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10.30am – 9.30pm seven days a week. |
| SilverCloud |
Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details. CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image. |
| Name | Contact |
| EDP |
0800 2335444 A range of support and advice for people experiencing problems related to their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. |
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0800 9177 650 AA runs groups to assist with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of people experiencing difficulties with alcohol. AA offer daily meetings in Exeter. Free helpline for support and advice. |
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Offering hope, information, and treatment options for people affected by sex addiction and those who love them. |
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| Drinkaware |
0300 123 1110 An independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm. Tools & information to help people make better choices about drinking. Drinkaware promote the Drinkline helpline above, for confidential support. |
| Gamcare |
0808 8020 133 Experienced professionals, helping problem gamblers as well as their friends and families. Offers advice over the phone as well as free online or face-to-face local counselling. |
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0800 358 3456 Offers advice, information, and a free confidential helpline to anyone who is, or has been, affected by a parent’s drinking. |
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| Talk to Frank |
0300 123 6600 Provides friendly, confidential information and advice about drugs. Offers support via phone, live chat or email. |
| Name | Contact |
| BEAT (beating eating disorders) |
0808 801 0811 Comprehensive site offering information and advice for all those affected by eating disorders. Offers support via helpline, email and message boards. |
| University of Exeter Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group |
The University of Exeter Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group offers a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment for students with eating difficulties to access support. |
| National Centre for Eating Disorders |
0845 838 2040 Information and advice about eating disorders, plus recommendations for treatment options. |
| Overeaters Anonymous |
Offers information and runs groups to assist with personal recovery from compulsive overeating. Weekly meetings in Exeter. |
| Freed |
First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders - information, stories from others, self-assessment quiz as well as links to help and support. |
| Name | Contact |
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Offering help, tips and advice to navigate the relationship with a difficult parent. |
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Support, information and advice for adults who are estranged from their families. Also offers specific information and advice to students who are estranged from family and concerned about finance. |
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| Relate |
0300 772 9681 Support and counselling for couple and family relationships, past, present or future, regardless of whether you are currently in a relationship or not. Contact local service for fees. National website offers chat online with trained counsellor. |
| Name | Contact |
| Accident and Emergency (A and E) |
01392 411611 Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E) Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW |
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03457 304030 Offering advice and support with making decisions if you discover a pregnancy that you are unsure about continuing with. |
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Offering information and advice about sexual health. Signposting to services offering free, confidential advice. |
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| Choices Pregnancy Centre |
Exeter based charity offering safe space to talk about any concerns relating to pregnancy, miscarriage, still-birth, cot death and post-termination. |
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0808 80 5050 - Epilepsy Action helpline Epilepsy Action is a charity offering practical support for living with epilepsy, a helpline and local support groups as well as other things. Find a local Epilepsy Action support group - the Exeter and Truro groups usually meets every month. You can also join a virtual group. |
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Information, resources and self-management skills for people who are living with persistent pain. |
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Advice from the NHS on sleep problems. |
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01392 406151 The Exeter branch offers a wide range of support, including counselling, to anyone at any stage of a cancer diagnosis, their carers, relatives or friends. |
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0808 808 0000 Helpline, information, advice and resources for anyone affected by cancer, including relatives and friends. |
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Provider of NHS and private sexual and reproductive health services, nationally including in Devon and Cornwall. |
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Encouraging healthy sleep. Offers tools and tips and information. |
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Telephone: 111 The NHS non-emergency freephone number. Provides symptom assessment and direction to appropriate services. Call 111 if: • you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency • you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service • you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
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NHS Walk-in Centres Exeter |
There are two Walk in Centres in Exeter: 1) 31 Sidwell Street, Exeter - 01392 276892 2) RD&E Hospital – 01392 406300 Staffed by nurses who can see you without an appointment for health advice, treatment of minor illness and injury, dressings and emergency contraception. |
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A local peer support group in Cornwall for people with pain. The aim is to create an online space for people with pain to meet, learn and share tips and experiences. |
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Online CBT based course of treatment for insomnia. Available privately or through NHS GP referral. |
| Name | Contact |
| Befrienders Worldwide |
Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide. |
| BAChineseWG |
0808 802 0012 Free helpline for the Chinese community in the South West, aiming to support & empower integration into the wider community. |
| Hikmat Devon |
01392 284263 Enabling and supporting minority ethnic communities living in Devon. Offers activity & interest groups, mentoring, training, signposting and counselling. |
| IKWRO |
0207 9206460 Support, practical information and advice for Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls at risk of Honour Based violence, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation. |
| Karma Nirvana |
0800 5999247 Supporting victims and survivors of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. Dedicated helpline offering listening, practical support and guidance when you need it. |
| Transgender Support Groups |
Webpage dedicated to signposting to Transgender Support Groups across the world. |
| UKCISA - Council for International Student Affairs |
Practical information, advice and support for international students. From immigration and fees, to life in the UK & study skills. |
| Name | Contact |
| Citizens Advice Bureau |
Advice, resources and drop in centres for a wide range of issues including legal matters, housing, family issues, and immigration. |
| Accused.M |
Support organisation for anyone affected by false allegations of rape, assault or abuse. |
| Community Law Clinic |
A variety of free legal services provided to members of the public, by third year law students, under supervision from the legal community. Aiming to fill the gap left by legal aid cuts. |
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Providing women with advice and information about the law and their legal rights. Resources and free, confidential helplines for a variety of areas of law. |
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0300 303 0554 Devon branch offering practical and emotional, free, confidential support for people affected (whether directly or indirectly) by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported. |
| Name | Support |
| Intercom Trust |
0800 6123010 Intercom Trust is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community resource covering the South West. Free helpline offering support. Also provides legal advice and information about local resources. |
| Mindline Trans+ |
0300 330 5468 Confidential helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary…as well as support for family members and friends. Open on Fridays from 20:00 until 23:00. |
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0300 330 0630 A one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone (check rates), by email and through Instant Messaging. Provides information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people, as well as anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity. |
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UK based support group for all those who identify as Trans Masculine, Non-Binary & Gender Variant AFAB people. |
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A transgender support group based in Devon for all trans people (transsexual, transvestite, intersex, genderqueer etc) |
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| University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café |
The University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café usually runs in person meetings twice a month - check out their website for upcoming dates and further information. The Trans and Non-Binary Café is a place for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, intersex and gender questioning students, staff and members of the wider community to meet, chat and share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space. Please contact transcafe@exeter.ac.uk for details or if you have any questions. This inbox is monitored by a small, all trans team of Trans and Non-Binary Café volunteers. |
| Name | Contact |
| Bipolar UK |
Practical advice, information and support for those affected by Bipolar, whether personally or through a family member/friend. Offers an Online Forum as well as a peer support phone line and support groups. |
| Mental Health Foundation |
Aiming to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. Offers information and practical advice about all things relating to mental health. |
| MIND |
0300 123 3393 Mental health information and support. Information and advice on a huge range of mental health topics. Also offers legal advice related to mental health. Various types of support available from local Mind branches. |
| Rethink |
Offers a Mental Illness Advice & Information Service via resources and helpline. Practical information about living with mental illness. |
| SANE |
0300 304 7000 Resources, information and emotional support by phone, text or forum, for anyone affected by mental illness, including friends, family and carers. |
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Online peer support forum offering information, advice, discussion and distraction. |
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| Self-injury Support |
Offers resources, information and support to women in emotional distress, particularly those who self-injure. Call: 0800 800 8088 |
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CBT series of information packs and online modules about a variety of difficulties & problems. |
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Interactive program with online modules for a variety of difficulties. Teaches strategies drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies, as well as relaxation and physical activity. |
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| Fixers |
Website encouraging 16-25 year old’s to become ‘fixers’ who share their own personal stories and passion to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Plenty of information and resources about many issues. |
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Mental health | NHS inform (Scotland) |
Advice and information about various mental health problems and disorders. Towards the bottom of the page, you will find self-help resources on topics such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, anger, self-esteem and many others. |
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CBT based information booklets including CBT exercises |
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| SilverCloud |
Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details. CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image. |
| Name | Contact |
| Academic Skills and Peer Support |
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/academic-skills-engagement-team/ Offers resources, workshops and mentoring to support you with your academic work. |
| My Time Management | Practical tools for managing your time and improving study skills. |
| The Mix |
UK’s leading support service for under 25’s. Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs. 24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline. |
| The Student Room | A student community where students seek advice, ask questions and share experiences. Tools and resources for study and revision skills. Practical info about educational choices. |
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Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide. |
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0800 585858 Dedicated to preventing male suicide in the UK. Offers support via helpline and webchat. |
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Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide. |
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| Papyrus |
Confidential support and advice for people under 35 who may be having thoughts about suicide, as well as for anyone concerned about a young person who may be having thoughts about suicide. |
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‘Suicide: The Forever Decision’ - Free download of a book specifically written for those thinking about suicide, or those who know, love or have concerns for them. |
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| Samaritans |
Telephone: 116 123 24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts of suicide. Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10.30am – 9.30pm seven days a week. |
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Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) An app for people experiencing suicidal/self-harming thoughts, or those concerned about someone else. |
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Info and practical suggestions for how to support someone who is feeling suicidal, and where you can go for support. |
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0300 111 5065 Offers support groups (monthly group in Exeter), helpline and email support for people who have been bereaved by suicide. |
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Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide. |
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UK’s leading support service for under 25’s. Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs. 24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline. |
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Confidential, anonymous listening and information service run by students for students, from 8pm-8am during term time. Their number is on the back of your student card. |
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A website that helps people get help, lets people know they are not alone, and facilitates a safe online community space that encourages people to open up and reach out for help. Offers free group sessions facilitated by a counsellor. |
See our Wellbeing Apps page for a list of helpful wellbeing apps.