New counselling group in Leamington

University of Warwick students are to set up a self-help group for anyone affected by depression.

The group wishes to encourage like-minded students to talk openly in a confidential and understanding environment.

Sessions will be run by students trained by the Depression Alliance and who have a good understanding and personal interest in depression.

The group aims to provide a non-judgemental place for students to seek information and support.

Meetings are expected to start at the beginning of Term 2 and will be held in the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Leamington, every Saturday at 12pm.

The group hopes to provide an alternative form of support where students can talk to their peers.

Cat Turhan, welfare and campaigns officer at the Students’ Union, supported the group: “The depression self-help group is a great idea!

“I am so pleased that there is now a place students can go in order to get support in Leamington, especially considering that one in three students are likely to suffer from a mental health issue.

“However, it’s really important that students don’t see the service as an alternative to professional counselling, or seeing their GP.”

A student participant who wished to remain anonymous said: “It seems mental health awareness on campus is increasing greatly, but at the same time so is demand for a greater variety of support and better access to them.

“This group is slightly different from most other services in that it is not a form of therapy.

“It would aim to help students feel less alone and more understood by their peers during what can be a difficult, and possibly reclusive, time.”

Students can use the service on a flexible basis depending on how they feel the group suits them.

Ms Turhan added: “The Brunswick Healthy Living Centre is a fantastic venue, and I hope this group encourages students to use
the centre more.

“It is an inclusive and non-judgemental place, which focuses on health and well-being.”