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Student Support

 

What is a group?

  • In-person groups offer a space for between 8-12 members.
  • Each group is facilitated by experienced practitioners.
  • Most groups meet weekly for 90 minutes.
  • Sessions are held at the Student Services Centre.

Some groups focus on discussion, with the content of each session evolving from what you and the other members bring each week.

Others take a more experiential approach, where you'll explore your thoughts and gain insight through hands-on activities and practical exercises.

Every group is founded on the principles of trust, respect, and confidentiality.

Why join a group?

Group work is as effective as individual counselling for many reasons.

Benefits include:

  • Recognising that you're not alone.
  • Receiving and offering support to others in a safe and consistent environment.
  • A supportive space to openly share your perspectives and experiences.
  • Developing self-awareness/compassion and exploring how you relate to others.

Sign up for a group

Most groups are open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can attend one per term.

It's important to attend every session, so please check your schedule before you complete a registration form.

You can search and register for a group running this term below.

What happens after you’ve submitted a form

A group facilitator will contact you to arrange a 1:1 pre-group appointment.

These appointments last around 30 minutes and give you the opportunity to learn more about the group. The facilitator will also talk to you about your needs and any mental health support you’re currently accessing.

It’s not always suitable to attend both individual counselling and a therapeutic group at the same time. Together, you’ll decide whether the group is the right one for you.

Groups for Lent Term 2025

Bereavement

A safe space to express your feelings and share your experience of bereavement if you've lost someone close to you.

We do not recommend the group for students whose bereavement is less than six months ago as the group is not suitable for students who are in the early stages of their grief. In those cases, we recommend to request support via individual counselling first. 

  • Starts on: Tuesday 11 February
  • Time: 16:15 – 17:45 
  • Runs weekly for 6 weeks 
  • Location: Student Services Centre, Level 3, Meeting Room 1

Book now

Hope and healing

A support group for students who have experienced sexual harassment, violence and/or intimate partner abuse at any time of their lives. A mix of group discussions and activities, exploring themes of connection, identity, self-compassion and empowerment. 

What previous group members have said about the group:

“For the first time I didn't feel alone, and I promise you aren’t either.”

“Powerful, validating, and inspiring. I never felt as secure in myself and my own experiences as I did in this group.”

  • Starts on: Wednesday 5 February
  • Time: 13:30 – 15:00
  • Runs weekly for 7 weeks
  • Location: Student Services Centre, Level 3, Meeting Room 1

This group is fully booked and closed for registrations. You are welcome to request an individual appointment with one of our Sexual Harassment and Violence Advisers or counsellors.

Postgraduate therapeutic group

A therapeutic group for postgraduates to explore life issues, experience mutual support, and gain personal insights from being part of the group.

  • Starts on: Thursday 9 January
  • Time: 15:15 - 16:45
  • Runs weekly on a rolling basis and can be joined at the beginning of February, May or July
  • You must attend a minimum of 6 sessions. 
  • Location: Student Services Centre,  Level 3, Meeting Room 1

We are now accepting registrations for February 2025.

Book now

Student carers

Offering a supportive space where students with caring responsibilities can connect and share experiences and challenges. The group also offers the opportunity to explore self-care, exchange tips and strategies, and to learn grounding and soothing techniques, to create a moment of calm and self-reflection in your busy week.

A student carer is anyone with unpaid caring responsibilities (other than parental responsibilities): this could involve providing care or support for a family member, partner, close friend or member of your community who has an illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction.

Book now

Groups and workshops

Paid opportunity: Central support services student advisory forum

Share your experiences of seeking mental health and wellbeing support at the University of Cambridge.

Get involved

Your views matter!

Share your views of seeking mental health and wellbeing support at the University of Cambridge.

Sign up to hear about voluntary and paid opportunities to share your views with the Student Support Department.