Peer support groups
What are peer support groups?
Peer support groups are when people who have similar experiences of something come together to support each other. Peer support usually:
- provides a safe space where you feel accepted and understood
- treats everyone’s experiences as being equally important
- involves both giving and receiving support
- allows you to choose which parts of your personal experience you talk about, seek support for and use to support others.
Peer support can be helpful on its own, or it can be something you try alongside treatments for a mental health concern – or even as a helpful way of getting support while you are on a waiting list for a treatment. Lots of people find peer support improves their wellbeing and their ability to cope.
Read more about peer support on mental health charity Mind’s website.
What peer support groups are available?
We have listed below several peer support groups that are running in the local area and some of these are on campus. If a suitable peer support group isn’t listed here, you may want to look at our Local and National Services page where you can find lots of resources, including organisations who offer online peer support groups.
Mental health peer support
Small, confidential support groups for young women with mental health concerns. Offering a safe place for you to come and talk, listen or just be. Find out more about Georgia’s Voice on their website.
Penryn Group – Tuesdays weekly from 18:00 until 19:30pm in the Chaplaincy at Penryn Campus
Falmouth Group – Mondays weekly from 18:30 until 20:00 at Fairwinds Community Hub, 33 Church St, Falmouth TR11 3DX
Confidential and non-judgemental peer support in an informal, safe and relaxed environment for men who are struggling with any kind of mental health concerns. Find out more about Man Down Cornwall on their website.
Falmouth Group – Fortnightly Thursdays from 19:00 until 21:00 in the Dracaena Centre. See the Man Down Cornwall meetings calendar for the next session.
Eco Anxiety peer support
The sessions aim to bring people together who share:
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a concern about the climate and ecological crises and hope for a better future for our planet;
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a desire to discuss these feelings with others, and in the process gain and provide encouragement, support, and solidarity;
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an interest in exploring our passions, what gifts we bring to the table, and how we can take meaningful action to address climate change, personally and collectively.
Sessions will be held throughout the term. Visit the Events on Campus page for dates and locations when they are announced. And come and see us at the Wellbeing and Inclusion Fair on Wed 23 October 2024.
Bereavement peer support
Let's Talk About Loss is a peer support group for students who have been affected by bereavement. It’s an opportunity to be with people who understand the experience of loss. It is facilitated by Beth, every third Thursday of the month from 17.30 until 18.30 in the Chaplaincy on the Falmouth Campus.
