Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who gets it. Peer support brings students together around shared experiences. Depending on the group, you might chat about what you're going through, share ideas that have helped, meet people with similar experiences or simply spend some time in a space where you feel understood.

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There are different peer support groups and communities available at Exeter, including groups run by students through the Guild and groups supported by University staff. You don't need to know exactly what you're looking for before giving one a try.

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What actually happens at a peer support group?

It depends on the group.

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Some sessions give you space to talk openly about what you're experiencing. Others are more social, with activities such as crafts or games alongside the opportunity to meet people who might understand some of the same things you do. You also shouldn't feel like you have to arrive ready to tell everyone your life story.

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For many groups, it's completely fine to listen, take part at your own pace or simply see whether the group feels right for you.

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Check the individual group's information before attending so you know what to expect.

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What Guild peer support groups are available?

Our peer support groups are student-led spaces built around shared experiences.

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• Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group
  
  Provides a friendly, non-judgemental space for students experiencing difficulties with food, eating or body image. You don't need a diagnosis to access peer support.
  
  Sessions are facilitated by trained student volunteers and give you the opportunity to talk about your experiences and hear from other students who may be going through something similar.
  
  If you'd like more information about professional and peer support for eating difficulties, you can also read our separate guide where can I get support with an eating disorder or eating difficulties?

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• Chronic Health Peer Support Group
  
  Living and studying with a long-term physical health condition can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when other people don't necessarily see what you're dealing with.
  
  The group offers peer-led support sessions as well as more relaxed socials. You can talk about your experiences, meet other students who might understand some of the same challenges or just listen.

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What peer support does the University offer?

The University's Wellbeing and AccessAbility teams also support a range of groups and activities.

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What's running, and when, can change during the year, so check the University's Peer Support page for the latest dates, locations and joining information.

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Current options include groups and spaces around:

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• positive wellbeing

• fatigue and chronic health conditions

• autistic students

• eating difficulties

• writing for wellbeing

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Some are student-led, while others are facilitated or supported by University staff.

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What about communities around different lived experiences?

Peer support doesn't only happen in groups specifically labelled as a “peer support group”.

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Our student community groups bringing together people with shared identities, backgrounds and experiences. These can be a way to meet people who might understand some of your experiences, get involved in activities and help shape change at Exeter. There are also societies covering a huge range of identities, cultures, interests and experiences.

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What's the difference between peer support and peer mentoring?

They're slightly different.

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Peer support groups usually bring people together around a shared experience. They're often about listening, connecting with other people and sharing experiences in a supportive environment.

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Peer mentoring usually connects you with a student in a later year who can offer informal guidance based on their own experience of university.

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The University runs different peer mentoring and academic peer support schemes. What's available can depend on your course or circumstances. Peer mentors can be a really useful source of informal support, but they don't replace academic staff or specialist University services.

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Does peer support replace professional support?

No – and it doesn't need to.

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Peer support is about connecting with other students and sharing experiences. Peer supporters aren't there to diagnose you, provide therapy or take the place of professional support. You can use peer support alongside other support if that's helpful for you.

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If you need support with your mental health or wellbeing, the University's Wellbeing Services can help you explore the options available.

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If you need urgent mental health support, use the University's urgent support information rather than waiting for the next peer support session.

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What if I'm nervous about going to a group?

That's understandable. Walking into a room of people you don't know can feel like a big step.

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It might help to check the group's page or social media before you go so you know where you're going and what the session involves.

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You could also contact the group beforehand if there's something you're worried about.

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And remember that going once doesn't commit you to anything. You can see how it feels and decide whether you want to go back.

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Can I start a new peer support group?

Yes. If there's a shared experience you think students would benefit from having a peer support space around, we'd like to hear from you.

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Peer support groups are different from standard Guild societies, so you don't need to go through the usual society registration and voting process.

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To get started, think about:

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• who the group would support

• what you'd like the group to offer

• how sessions might work

• who could help you lead the group

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You'll need two lead committee members to get started.

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Once a group is set up, we'll help you think through the practical side, including facilitator training, running sessions safely, room bookings, reaching students and the resources you'll need.

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Peer support sessions need trained facilitators, with at least two facilitators present during support sessions.

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You don't need to have everything worked out before contacting us.

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Email activities@exeterguild.com to tell us about your idea and start the conversation.