Peer Support
Last updated 13/05/24
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!"
Find out more about the ADHD Peer Support group
Eating Difficulties – “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!”
Find out more about the Eating Difficulties Support group
Chronic Health - The Chronic Health Peer Support Group is a student-led support group to help those struggling with any type of chronic, physical condition (one that is persistent or recurring). It is a safe and non-judgemental space in order to allow people to talk openly about their struggles and meet other people who might be experiencing the same things. The sessions are facilitated by trained student volunteers.
We hold bi-weekly peer-led, support sessions to talk about any difficulties, as well as some chilled socials to allow our members to meet each other. The support sessions will encourage conversation around different struggles that people are facing but it’s also okay just to listen! Socials won’t focus on talking about physical issues but of course we are always open to listening to anybody and would encourage this amongst members. It would also be great to carry out some events to raise awareness or even some fundraisers.
The Chronic Health Peer Support Group meets in person, bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings 6:30-7:30 in Marchant Syndicate Room A. For further information, please see our Instagram Page below:
Find out more about the Chronic Health Support Group
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 – Peer Support – A variety of peer support schemes where you are matched with higher year students who offer informal advice and guidance. Depending on the scheme, support can relate to either academia (e.g. same module or discipline) or transition into university life.
Schemes include:
· Mature Student Peer Mentoring
· Disabled Student Peer Mentoring
· MFL PAL
· CBS Ethnic Minority Student Peer Mentoring Programme
Find out what schemes are running and how to join as a Mentor or Mentee on the Peer Support website. You can contact the Peer Support team at peersupport@exeter.ac.uk or find them 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