Programme Member Support Systems

We recognise that the training course is likely to be stressful at specific points in the programme, due to course deadlines and/or personal circumstances. University attendance, clinical practice and independent study may at times be difficult to balance, and students may also have personal life events which may at times impact on stress levels and the ability to balance the demands of the course with other areas of their lives.

Within the training programme we hope to promote a mutually supportive atmosphere in which students feel able to share concerns and issues with one another, with the programme team and with their clinical supervisors. However, we recognise that the programme team and supervisors cannot necessarily provide all the support that may be required, and other sources of support may at times need to be accessed.

Students are encouraged to make use of the following support whilst on the course:

• Programme Leads (Debbie Williams & Karen Tate): You are welcome to talk to the Programme Leads in the case of any difficulties you may experience, in relation to the course and/or any personal circumstances for which you will need support and which may impact on your ability to study. At times it may be useful for them to liaise with you workplace manager or clinical supervisor to discuss a supportive way forward.
• 1:1 Tutor: You can talk with your 1:1 tutor, either at your 1:1 tutorial or at any other time, if you begin to experience difficulties. In the event of significant difficulties that may impede your ability to study, your tutor may need to discuss this with the Programme Leads and with your workplace manager/clinical supervisor to discuss a supportive way forward.
• Wellbeing Services: All students can access support through the University Wellbeing Services. More information can be found on the University wellbeing services web pages.
• Reed Mews Wellbeing Centre: There is also a University Wellbeing Centre that is free and confidential and available to all students. Appointments are available during term time by emailing wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk and a reduced service is offered during the vacation (tel 01392 264381).
• Email Counselling: A professional online counselling is available to all students during term time. Students can get in touch by following this link: e-counselling@exeter.ac.uk. More details on how the service works are then forwarded to anyone expressing an interest. This facility can be particularly helpful for students who can't easily attend sessions in person or don't want face-to-face counselling.