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Our Peer Support Programmes

Our support programmes

​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.”
- Peer support group attendee

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 Minds

​Positive 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 Difficulties

Eating 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 Workshops

​These 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.
  • 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:
  • Before attending a session
  • After attending a session

For Thrive follow the following links to take part in our evaluation:
  • Before attending a session
  • After attending a session
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Student Minds is registered with Companies House, 07493445
Student Minds is a Charity registered in England and Wales, 1142783
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  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Thrive
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Help through Coronavirus >
      • Coronavirus - Looking After Your Mental Health
      • Coronavirus - Student resources >
        • Assessments and exams from home ​
        • Managing digital communication
      • Student Space FAQs
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • Student Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Charter Student Resources
      • University Mental Health Day
      • Write for us
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
    • University staff >
      • Mental Health in Sport >
        • Mental Health in Sport Online
      • Look After Your Mate >
        • Look After Your Mate Online
      • Setting up a peer support group >
        • Students Minds peer support set up
        • Peer support Train the Trainer
    • Charter
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Mentally Healthy SUs Framework
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Look After Your Members Online
      • Campaigning and Creating Positive Change
    • Accommodation Providers
    • Research
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Supporting Male Student Mental Health
      • Co-producing Mental Health Initiatives With Student Volunteers
      • Podcasting About Mental Health
      • Student Mental Health in a Pandemic >
        • Life in a pandemic: Wave II findings
        • Life in a Pandemic
      • Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
      • Co-producing mental health strategies with students
      • The Role of an Academic
      • LGBTQ+ Research​
      • Student Voices
      • Graduate Wellbeing
      • Student Living
      • Grand Challenges
      • University Peer Support
      • University Challenge
      • Looking After a Mate
      • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
    • Materials and resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Online shopping
      • Payroll giving
    • Fundraise >
      • Step into Spring
      • Virtual Fundraising
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • RAGs and Student Societies
      • Celebrate with Student Minds
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners