Local and national services

Academic Skills and Peer Support

Offers resources, workshops and mentoring to support you with your academic work.

ASK Academic Skills Support in Cornwall

The ASK team run workshops on writing, referencing and study skills, provide study guides and offer one-to-one appointments.

Disability Support, Wellbeing Services

01392 723880

Supports students experiencing a range of issues, including physical disabilities, medical conditions and learning difficulties. Specific emphasis is on how your difficulty might impact your ability to study and cope at University.

Accessibility and Inclusion Support in Cornwall

01326 370460

accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk

The team supports and advises you if you have a disability, long-term health condition, autism or other Specific Learning Differences. They can help if you need adjustments to be made to accommodation, teaching methods or exam arrangements.

Dignity & Respect Advisors

Confidential and informal service for students or staff involved in cases of harassment or bullying (including those facing allegations about their behaviour). Advisors can listen, talk through the options available and signpost to appropriate services.

International Student Support Office

Team dedicated to advising and offering practical support to non-UK students.

Education Welfare Team – Cornwall

Contact Education Welfare if your mental or physical health or wellbeing is influencing your ability to study, or your studying is creating health problems for you.

Emotional and Mental Health Support, Wellbeing Services

01392 724381

Supporting students experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, with specific emphasis on how your health is impacting on your ability to study and cope at University.

Emotional and Mental Health Support in Cornwall

Contact our wellbeing specialists if you have an emotional or mental health issue that is affecting your ability to study or cope at University. The sooner you get in touch the sooner we can help so you can avoid reaching a crisis point.

Health Centres and Doctors’ Surgeries in Cornwall

We recommend that all students register with a GP (Doctors) Surgery of Health Centre.

01392 263649

A Multi-Faith team encouraging spiritual wellbeing and supporting people to practise their religions. No requirement to practice a religion to access the service, which includes confidential listening support regarding any issue of faith, life, or personal matter. Accessible 24 hours for urgent talking support.

Welcoming and supportive spaces that are open to students of all faiths or none.

These pages give information on the support available for incidents of bullying, discrimination or harassment (including but not limited to racism, homophobia or sexual discrimination).

You can confidentially report any incidents, no matter how big or small.

The Students’ Union for University of Exeter students. They represent the voice of the student body and ensure every student gets the most out of their University experience. Their Advice Team offers free, impartial and confidential advice for a range of worries and concerns – from course problems and landlord issues, to personal concerns and money difficulties.

01392 676606

GP/doctor's surgery for students.

The Compass is a student information service offering help and advice on any aspect of university life - whether you have a quick query or require specialist support.

Email: studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk, Phone: 01326 370460 or visit the Compass Helpdesk for further information and access to the webchat.

Information and relevant signposting for students with families regarding issues including childcare, accommodation and local support. These pages also contain helpful information and contacts for care-experienced students and those students who are estranged from their families.

The SU can provide confidential and unbiased guidance with any academic or wellbeing issues that may arise.

The University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café is a place for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, intersex and gender questioning students and staff to meet and share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space. We are currently using an online platform that does not require downloads or special software and includes text communications, so if you are closeted and unable to talk where you are, you can still be included.

Please contact transcafe@exeter.ac.uk for details or if you have any questions.

Nurture-U is a research project that wants to improve student wellbeing.

The project is testing different therapies and self-help programmes in three different research trials.

Our trials are:

Bounce Back – which involves a supported workbook to build resilience in students

Reducing Worry and Building Confidence – which involves a self-help app for students who want to reduce worry and overthinking

Internet Cognitive-Behavioural therapy – which compares supported versus self-guided online therapy for students with symptoms of anxiety and depression – this includes the chance to obtain the Silvercloud Mental Health programme used by the University with support from a coach

This is a great opportunity to receive personal mental health support while also contributing to research that aims to improve support for students.

More details about the three trials can be found on the study website: https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk/research-trials.

Please find out more at our website or our Instagram, or email nurture-u@exeter.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Eating Disorder Support – Student Minds

An Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group which meets on campus and is run by Exeter Student Minds.

Website encouraging 16-25year old’s to become ‘fixers’ who share their own personal stories and passion to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Plenty of info and resources about many issues.

Information for students worried or concerned about a friend’s mental health.

UK’s leading support service for under 25’s.  Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs. 24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline.

Save the Student

Free, impartial advice on student finance and money matters.

Website run by students for students offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

The UK's student mental health charity. Empowering students with knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health as well as to support others.

Network of Mental Health Specialists working in Higher Education. Information on support available for students with mental health difficulties.

A new online resource which is about opening up the conversation on mental health, and addressing common themes young adults might experience in a meaningful and friendly way. Supported by the Mental Health Foundation.

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

The professional body that sets standards for therapeutic practice and provides information for clients of therapy, therapists, and the public.  Offers info about therapy and how to find a therapist in your area.  (Personal health insurance may cover counselling fees)

Exeter based charity offering safe space to talk about any concerns relating to pregnancy, miscarriage, still-birth, cot death and post-termination.

0808 808 1677

Support for people after bereavement.  Free, confidential, local support and counselling by telephone, email or face to face.

Balloons

Providing support in groups, activities or one-to-one, for children and young people (age 5 – 25) before an expected death and following bereavement. Based in Exeter. 

The Force Centre

01392 406151

The Exeter branch offers a wide range of support, including counselling, to anyone at any stage of a cancer diagnosis, their carers, relatives or friends.

Hikmat Devon

01392 284263

Enabling and supporting minority ethnic communities living in Devon.  Offers activity & interest groups, mentoring, training, signposting and counselling.

Iron Mill College

01392 499388

Low cost, local counselling service run by counsellors and psychotherapists in training.  Free 30-minute initial consultation. 

Margaret Jackson Centre

01392 256711

Local, low cost counselling service staffed by either fully qualified, or final year Diploma level counselling trainees. Cost will be assessed and agreed according to ability to pay.

Pete's Dragons

01395 277780

Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide.

Relate

0300 772 9681

Support and counselling for couple and family relationships, past, present or future, regardless of whether you are currently in a relationship or not.  Contact local service for fees. National website offers chat online with trained counsellor.

Invictus Trust

Cornish charity that signposts to mental health support and counselling for young people up to age 21.

Counselling for social change

Charity providing low-cost counselling to people in Cornwall. They also have a Facebook page.

Waves

Provides confidential counselling for men and women who have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse in Cornwall.

Pentreath

A charity in Cornwall that provide support for recovery from mental ill health.

A website that helps people get help, lets people know they are not alone, and facilitates a safe online community space that encourages people to open up and reach out for help. Offers free group sessions facilitated by a counsellor. 

Free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK: includes personal development tools, online chats and community support.

An online digital mental health support service which is available 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. As one of our students you have free access.

A clinically proven digital mental health and wellbeing platform, which offers digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programmes and tools. As a student of ours it’s free to sign up enter your University details to get started.

Name

BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies)

0161 7054304

NHS IAPT Services Search

A website that helps you locate Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services in their local area.

NHS Talking therapies - self-referral (Cornwall) 

01208 871 905

Free confidential talking therapies for people who are registered with a GP in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

TalkWorks (Devon)

(previously known as The Depression and Anxiety Service - DAS)

0300 555 3344

Free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service based in Exeter. Offers treatments and therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  You can self-refer by completing their online registration form.

SilverCloud

A clinically proven digital mental health and wellbeing platform, which offers digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programmes and tools. As a student of ours it’s free to sign up enter your University details to get started.

Clarity CBT App

Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this diary app helps you to capture, challenge and rebalance unhelpful thoughts.

Committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online.  Offers information, resources, community forum and access to trained support advisors.

Helpline: 01392 204174

Confidential, professional support by phone, email or face-to-face, for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse.

Galop: The LGBT anti-violence charity

Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Advice, support & advocacy for people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.  Also supports LGBT+ people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

IICSA - Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

Inquiry into extent institutions and organisations in England and Wales have taken seriously their responsibility to protect children. Although investigating institutional failures, rather than individual cases, the experiences of victims and survivors are central, and IICSA are working with victims and survivors who want to assist the Inquiry by sharing their experience of sexual abuse.

0207 9206460

0800 5999247

Helpline: 01823 334244

Survivors UK - Male Rape & Sexual Abuse

Resources and confidential, online chat for men who have been sexually abused, sexually assaulted or raped.

SARC – The Oak Centre

0300 3034626 

Devon & Cornwall SARC, run by the NHS, offers immediate medical care and support following rape or sexual abuse from its centres in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. As well as medical care, they offer forensic medical examination, access to crisis workers, sexual health, guidance through the police reporting process (optional) and onwards referral to an Independent sexual violence advisor and counselling services.  People can access the service via the 24/7 helpline or via this quick get help! form. 

Live Life Safe – Suzy Lamplugh Trust

0808 802 0300

0300 303 0554

Devon branch offering practical and emotional, free, confidential support for people affected (whether directly or indirectly) by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported.

0808 2000 247

A Men’s Wellbeing Centre in Cornwall that is a safe and supportive space dedicated to helping men overcome a range of life’s challenges including domestic abuse and sexual violence.

A charity for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence in Cornwall and Devon.

Provides empowering support to women and girls living with the impact of domestic abuse, child sexual abuse, rape or any other form of sexual violence.

Information and resources about all types of anxiety and phobias.  Membership subscription offers access to reduced cost therapy for students.

An OCD charity that is completely service-user led, for children and adults with OCD, run by sufferers, for sufferers. Offering resources, support forums and information.

Telephone: 116 123

24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts about suicide. Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10:30am – 9:30pm seven days a week.

Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details. CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image.

Website and app offering tools, tips and support to help build confidence and reduce social anxiety.

Anxiety information sheets.

Information about anxiety, its symptoms, causes and self-care.

Five ways to wellbeing programme

Information and tips on managing anxiety from the NHS

0808 808 1677

Cruse support people after bereavement.  Free, confidential, local support and counselling by telephone, email or face to face.

Cruse Bereavement Support's website for people aged 12 to 25 years old. Online resources including personal stories of others facing grief and email support.

Providing support in groups, activities or one-to-one, for children and young people (age 5 – 25) before an expected death or post bereavement. Based in Exeter. 

0800 096 6606

Helpline & support for those grieving or faced with the loss of a pet.

A Trust run by the bereaved for the bereaved to offer information, advice, support and signposting to relevant services.

Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide.

A site to find relevant resources for the bereaved community in Cornwall such as funeral planning, legal services, counselling or support groups.

Bereavement support for 18-25 year olds

Finance and bereavement

Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide.

Telephone: 116 123

24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts of suicide Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10.30am – 9.30pm seven days a week.

Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details.  CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image.

Wellbeing services

Local NHS urgent mental health helpline - free on 0800 038 5300, any time of day or night. You will be connected to an NHS mental health professional who will listen to you and determine how best to help.

You can self-refer for help with mental health problems including experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, worry and depression.

Confidential support and advice for people under 35 who may be having thoughts about suicide. Includes HOPELINE 24/7 Call: 0800 068 4141, Text: 88247, Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Information on depression.

Advice, information and guidance for those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

0800 2335444

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

0800 9177 650

Association for Treatment of Sexual Addiction

Offering hope, information, and treatment options for people affected by sex addiction and those who love them.

0300 123 1110

An independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm. Tools & information to help people make better choices about drinking. Drinkaware promote the Drinkline helpline above, for confidential support.

0808 8020 133

NACOA

National Association for Children of Alcoholics

0800 358 3456

0300 123 6600

Provides friendly, confidential information and advice about drugs. Offers support via phone, live chat or email.

Drug and alcohol support in Cornwall

0808 801 0811

Comprehensive site offering information and advice for all those affected by eating disorders.  Offers support via helpline, email and message boards.

The University of Exeter Eating Difficulties Peer Support Group offers a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment for students with eating difficulties to access support.

0845 838 2040

Offers information and runs groups to assist with personal recovery from compulsive overeating. Weekly meetings in Exeter. 

First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders - information, stories from others, self-assessment quiz as well as links to help and support.

My Horrid Parent

Offering help, tips and advice to navigate the relationship with a difficult parent.

Standalone

Support, information and advice for adults who are estranged from their families. Also offers specific information and advice to students who are estranged from family and concerned about finance.

0300 772 9681

Works with young people aged 11-25 who are in or leaving care.

Homeless charity for young people

Homeless charity in Cornwall

Provide families with practical, emotional and financial support

Accident and Emergency (A and E) Devon

01392 411611

Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E)

Accident and Emergency Cornwall

Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ

Telephone: 01872 253111 or 01872 253113

Cornwall Minor Injury Units

Waiting times

Falmouth Minor Injury Unit

Trescobeas Road, TR11 2JA

Call 01326 436600

British Pregnancy Advisory Centre

03457 304030

Offering advice and support with making decisions if you discover a pregnancy that you are unsure about continuing with.

Brook London

Offering information and advice about sexual health.  Signposting to services offering free, confidential advice.

Exeter based charity offering safe space to talk about any concerns relating to pregnancy, miscarriage, still-birth, cot death and post-termination.

Epilepsy Action

0808 80 5050 - Epilepsy Action helpline 

Epilepsy Action is a charity offering practical support for living with epilepsy, a helpline and local support groups as well as other things.

Find a local Epilepsy Action support group - the Exeter and Truro groups usually meets every month. You can also join a virtual group.

Live Well with Pain

Information, resources and self-management skills for people who are living with persistent pain.

Every Mind Matters

Advice from the NHS on sleep problems.

The Force Centre

01392 406151

Macmillan

0808 808 0000

Helpline, information, advice and resources for anyone affected by cancer, including relatives and friends.

MSI Reproductive Choices UK

Provider of NHS and private sexual and reproductive health services, nationally including in Devon and Cornwall.

National Sleep Foundation   

Encouraging healthy sleep. Offers tools and tips and information.

NHS 111

Telephone: 111

The NHS non-emergency freephone number. Provides symptom assessment and direction to appropriate services. Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

NHS Walk-in Centres Exeter

There are two Walk in Centres in Exeter:

1) 31 Sidwell Street, Exeter - 01392 276892

2) RD&E Hospital – 01392 406300

Staffed by nurses who can see you without an appointment for health advice, treatment of minor illness and injury, dressings and emergency contraception.

Pain Cafe (Cornwall)

A local peer support group in Cornwall for people with pain. The aim is to create an online space for people with pain to meet, learn and share tips and experiences.

Sleep Station

Online CBT based course of treatment for insomnia. Available privately or through NHS GP referral.

Brook Cornwall

Free confidential sexual health information services

Eddystone Trust

HIV & sexual health support and HIV testing

The Cove Macmillan cancer support centre

In Cornwall

Penryn Doctors Surgery

Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide.

0808 802 0012

01392 284263

0207 9206460

0800 5999247

Webpage dedicated to signposting to Transgender Support Groups across the world.

Practical information, advice and support for international students.  From immigration and fees, to life in the UK & study skills.

at the University of Exeter

Support anybody who identifies as part of an East or Southeast Asian community.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Cornwall

Advice, resources and drop in centres for a wide range of issues including legal matters, housing, family issues, and immigration.

Support organisation for anyone affected by false allegations of rape, assault or abuse. 

A variety of free legal services provided to members of the public, by third year law students, under supervision from the legal community. Aiming to fill the gap left by legal aid cuts.

Rights of Women

Providing women with advice and information about the law and their legal rights. Resources and free, confidential helplines for a variety of areas of law. 

Victim Support Devon

0300 303 0554

Cass+

Free help and advice for anyone going through courts

0800 6123010

0300 330 5468

Confidential helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-Binary…as well as support for family members and friends. Open on Fridays from 20:00 until 23:00.

Switchboard - LGBT+ Helpline

0300 330 0630

Trans Masculine Support & Advice UK

UK based support group for all those who identify as Trans Masculine, Non-Binary & Gender Variant AFAB people.

Transfigurations

A transgender support group based in Devon for all trans people (transsexual, transvestite, intersex, genderqueer etc)

The University of Exeter Trans and Non-Binary Café usually runs in person meetings twice a month - check out their website for upcoming dates and further information. The Trans and Non-Binary Café is a place for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, intersex and gender questioning students, staff and members of the wider community to meet, chat and share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space.

In addition to the scheduled meetings, the group also has a Discord Server (an online platform that does not require downloads or special software) in which people can chat freely at any time and seek advice on various topics.

Please contact transcafe@exeter.ac.uk for details or if you have any questions. This inbox is monitored by a small, all trans team of Trans and Non-Binary Café volunteers.

Transgender and non-binary support group in Cornwall

Connecting the current LGBTQ+ community with queer Cornish history.

An inclusive Football Club aimed at providing a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to play football.

Practical advice, information and support for those affected by Bipolar, whether personally or through a family member/friend.  Offers an Online Forum as well as a peer support phone line and support groups.

Aiming to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. Offers information and practical advice about all things relating to mental health.

MIND

MIND Cornwall

0300 123 3393

Offers a Mental Illness Advice & Information Service via resources and helpline. Practical information about living with mental illness.

0300 304 7000

Local NHS urgent mental health helpline, free on 0800 038 5300, any time of day or night. You will be connected to an NHS mental health professional who will listen to you and determine how best to help.

Self-help guides and workbooks based on CBT.

Call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to, who won’t judge or tell you what to do.

Confidential support and advice for people under 35 who may be having thoughts about suicide. Includes HOPELINE 24/7 Call: 0800 068 4141, Text: 88247, Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Free and confidential text support when you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and need support getting to a calmer place.

You can self-refer

For everyone who’s struggling and to provide life-saving support for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

Advice, information and guidance for those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Mind’s information support.

Offer a very informal, safe and relaxed environment for men who are struggling with any kind of mental health issues.

Small, confidential support groups in Cornwall for young women with mental health concerns. Offering a safe place for you to come and talk, listen or just be.  

National Self Harm Network

Online peer support forum offering information, advice, discussion and distraction.

Offers resources, information and support to women in emotional distress, particularly those who self-injure.

Call: 0800 800 8088

Providing support, information, training and consultancy about self harm to individuals who self harm, their friends, families and professionals.

Hope for harm service. Clear are a Cornwall based charity focused on preventing and reducing the harm caused by emotional trauma and building emotional resilience and wellbeing.

Online, user-led Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support

Centre for Clinical Interventions

CBT series of information packs and online modules about a variety of difficulties & problems.

Ecouch

Interactive program with online modules for a variety of difficulties. Teaches strategies drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies, as well as relaxation and physical activity.

Website encouraging 16-25 year old’s to become ‘fixers’ who share their own personal stories and passion to create positive change for themselves and those around them. Plenty of information and resources about many issues.

Mental health | NHS inform (Scotland)

Northumberland NHS Self Help Leaflets

CBT based information booklets including CBT exercises

Website & Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play) with University of Exeter log-in details.  CBT programmes which include techniques for managing a range of mental health difficulties, e.g. depression, stress, body image.

Free practical mental health guides and workbooks.

Information and tips

Wellbeing tips and resources

Information on looking after your wellbeing at university

Offers resources, workshops and mentoring to support you with your academic work.

Practical tools for managing your time and improving study skills.

UK’s leading support service for under 25’s.  Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs.  24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline.

A student community where students seek advice, ask questions and share experiences.  Tools and resources for study and revision skills.  Practical info about educational choices.

Exeter’s online study skills resources

Study information and guides for students in Cornwall

Befrienders Worldwide

Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide.

CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably

0800 585858

Pete’s Dragons

Local charity in Exmouth offering counselling, support and comfort to those bereaved by suicide.

Confidential support and advice for people under 35 who may be having thoughts about suicide, as well as for anyone concerned about a young person who may be having thoughts about suicide.

QPR Institute

‘Suicide: The Forever Decision’  - Free download of a book specifically written for those thinking about suicide, or those who know, love or have concerns for them.

Telephone: 116 123

24-hour, free helpline offering emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have thoughts of suicide. Also offers a free, local (Exeter) drop in service 10.30am – 9.30pm seven days a week.

Stay Alive

Smartphone App - Free on iPhone (App Store) and Android (Google Play)

Supporting Someone Who Feels Suicidal

Info and practical suggestions for how to support someone who is feeling suicidal, and where you can go for support.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

0300 111 5065

Shout – text 85258

For free and confidential text support when you are dealing with suicidal thoughts and need support getting to a calmer place

Befrienders Worldwide

Offers information about suicide and seeks to connect people to emotional support services worldwide.

The Mix

UK’s leading support service for under 25’s.  Helping you take on any challenge you are facing from mental health to money, break ups and relationships to drugs.  24-hour support via online chat, email or free, confidential helpline.

Exeter Nightline

Confidential, anonymous listening and information service run by students for students, from 8pm-8am during term time. Their number is on the back of your student card.

Available to listen to anything you would like to talk about, from exam stress to mental health issues; whether you need company walking home alone or for seeking information about other services.

Turn2me

A website that helps people get help, lets people know they are not alone, and facilitates a safe online community space that encourages people to open up and reach out for help. Offers free group sessions facilitated by a counsellor.

Student Minds

Online support and resources. Blog on studying abroad.