Our support programmes
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Our support groups are a safe, confidential place that allow students to talk and listen without judgement.
We know that it can be difficult to talk. We believe that in this understanding group setting where everyone knows what you are talking about without it having to be spelled out, it's that little bit easier. Please note that our groups are not an alternative to formal treatment, but may be a good step into treatment or a useful add-on to treatment. |
The thing I like best about this Student Minds group is “the space and chance to talk freely about any issues and being able to know that it is a confidential, safe space.” |
We offer a few different support groups, all run by trained student facilitators:
Online peer support courses available:
Thrive
This three-part course helps students to build their own wellbeing by giving them the tools and techniques to make the most out of their university experience. Thrive is an online peer support course which covers a different topic each week. The sessions will take place via Zoom, and they will last for an hour and a half, taking place on the same time and day each week. It is available at the University of Nottingham, the University of Bath, and the University of Southampton.
Please note that due to Covid-19, we're currently not running the following groups as normal:
Positive MindsPositive Minds is a six week course for students experiencing low mood or mild depression, covering topics such as building a support network, establishing healthy routines and exploring different relaxation techniques. |
Eating DifficultiesEating Difficulty Groups are informal groups to provide support and encouragement to any student who is experiencing difficulties around food. At some universities, the Eating Difficulties Group will be unstructured and discussion-based, whilst some universities offer Motivate Me, a five week course that focuses on helping students to develop strategies to manage the challenges commonly observed in individuals experiencing eating difficulties. |
Supporting Supporters WorkshopsThese workshops are for those supporting a friend or family member experiencing eating difficulties. |
Thinking about attending a group?
Who runs the groups?
All Student Minds groups are run by student volunteers, two of which will be present at each session. All volunteers are recruited and trained by Student Minds to ensure that they understand how to run a group session safely.
If I attend, what will it be like?
Student Minds groups offer support through facilitated peer conversation that is pro-recovery, so groups are always a positive space. They are all facilitated by student volunteers who will listen supportively and ensure that groups are always a friendly, welcoming space. You can talk as much or as little as you like - no one is going to ask you to stand up and recite your life story, though you are welcome to if you like. No one will mind if you just come along and listen to what other people are saying.
I think I need more support
It’s important to know that the groups are not an alternative to professional support and we encourage students attending peer support groups to also seek further support from their local GP or university support services if needed. Group facilitators are not trained advisers or counsellors. More information on different services available to you can be found here.
All Student Minds groups are run by student volunteers, two of which will be present at each session. All volunteers are recruited and trained by Student Minds to ensure that they understand how to run a group session safely.
If I attend, what will it be like?
Student Minds groups offer support through facilitated peer conversation that is pro-recovery, so groups are always a positive space. They are all facilitated by student volunteers who will listen supportively and ensure that groups are always a friendly, welcoming space. You can talk as much or as little as you like - no one is going to ask you to stand up and recite your life story, though you are welcome to if you like. No one will mind if you just come along and listen to what other people are saying.
- If you are unsure if you want to attend a group, we recommend contacting them in advance to find out more information.
- If you want to find out about confidentiality within groups see here.
I think I need more support
It’s important to know that the groups are not an alternative to professional support and we encourage students attending peer support groups to also seek further support from their local GP or university support services if needed. Group facilitators are not trained advisers or counsellors. More information on different services available to you can be found here.
Have you attended a session?
If you have attended a support session run by Student Minds, please get involved in our evaluation.
Your participation is invaluable - you will be helping us complete the first large scale assessment of the efficacy of student led support programmes. Participation is completely anonymous.
For Positive Minds, Motivate Me and Eating Difficulties group follow the following links to take part in our evaluation:
For Thrive follow the following links to take part in our evaluation:
Your participation is invaluable - you will be helping us complete the first large scale assessment of the efficacy of student led support programmes. Participation is completely anonymous.
For Positive Minds, Motivate Me and Eating Difficulties group follow the following links to take part in our evaluation:
For Thrive follow the following links to take part in our evaluation: