Discover regular mental health support and connect with others.

Our free online and in-person peer support groups and activities offer you the opportunity to meet others, share experiences, understand yourself better and learn self-management techniques to maintain good mental health in everyday life.

Local groups

For those living in the Torbay area wishing to socialise and meet others who are going through similar experiences, we offer a variety of regular in-person sessions, from wellbeing walks to craft and yoga groups.

This peer support group service is open to everyone in Devon over the age of 18.

‘I became homebound. My mental health got to the worst it’s been.’

Becky has struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. After reaching out for some support through our BeWell@StepOne service through self-help courses and our Tuesday craft peer support group, Becky’s mental health improved and the group has become part of her life.

What kind of results/benefits do people see?

Participating in our self-management courses and workshops can lead to a range of positive benefits including:

  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced anxiety and depression
  • Enhanced coping skills
  • Greater self-awareness
  • More resilience
  • Reduced isolation
  • Increased empowerment
  • Better problem-solving skills
  • Improved quality of life

“If you don’t have someone to talk to, life can be very lonely, there’s always good conversation here, and everyone is very welcoming.”

“Coming here has changed my life, for two years I didn’t really leave the house, now I go out every day.”

How do the peer support group sessions work?

Online:

Our online peer support group sessions, such as the All-Welcome Wellbeing group and Anxiety Café, provide a welcoming and inclusive space for people seeking to improve their mental wellbeing. These regular sessions focus on self-help strategies and offer opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. The groups meet weekly or fortnightly via Zoom, with tutors who value participant feedback to tailor each session for maximum benefit.

In-person:

For those living in the Torbay area, our in-person peer support groups and activities offer a diverse range of opportunities for people to come together, connect and work on their mental wellbeing in a supportive environment. Whether it’s exploring self-help tools, engaging in creative activities or benefitting from physical and psychological advantages of being active, our in-person sessions aim to enhance your overall wellbeing a provide a sense of community. Please scroll down to explore our current list of in-person peer support groups.

Our tutors are qualified professionals with personal experiences related to mental health conditions, which allows them to provide valuable guidance and support.

Is there a charge?

No. Our mission is to support as many people in Devon as possible to manage their own mental health. All of our BeWell@StepOne peer support groups are free to participate and as a charity we fundraise to provide this service.

If you would like to donate to support BeWell@StepOne, please visit our donation page.

How do I join a peer support group?

Online:
If you see an online peer support group you would like to join, you will need to complete a simple registration form on our online portal (www.bewell.training). Once registered, you will be able to login and enrol on to your chosen peer support group and you will gain access to the meeting links (if online) along with information and materials.

In-person:
Some of our in-person peer support groups require enrolment online prior to attending. For others, you can simply walk in and complete a brief registration and consent form upon arrival. Please check each individual session page for enrolment instructions.

How can I get in touch if I have more questions or need more information about the support groups?

Our experienced and supportive tutors would be more than happy to have a chat about the peer support group you’re interested in before committing to joining. They could arrange a video call to introduce themselves and provide you with some information prior to the session. You can reach out to them using the enquiry form below.

What kind of peer support groups are there?

Our peer support groups and activities cover a wide range of themes, including:

  • Exploring self-help and management tools
  • Coping with depression and anxiety
  • Craft and creative sessions
  • Supporting carers and addressing bereavement
  • Improving physical and psychological wellbeing through being active
  • Promoting mental health by connecting with nature

Don’t see the peer support group you’re looking for below? We occasionally update this page with new groups and sessions – come back or sign up to our newsletter to keep up-to-date.

Peer Support Groups – Online

Peer Support Groups & Activities – In person

Exeter Wellbeing Walk

Exeter Wellbeing Walk

Increasing our activity levels and connecting with others can be a key strategy in lifting mood and reducing anxiety. Joining a walking group can be a wonderful way to start, one step at a time!

Fortnightly on Wednesdays, from 10:45am
Exeter
April 26, 2024/by Isaac Mann
Exeter craft group

Exeter Wellbeing Craft Group

This in-person Exeter based group is focused around craft, so you can get creative, put your artistic skills to the test and create something, or just come along for a coffee and a chat.

Every Wednesday, 10am - 1pm
Exeter
April 22, 2024/by Isaac Mann
Group of people sitting and talking

The BeWell Toolbox Group

This peer support group offers the opportunity to explore a variety of self-help and self-management tools to support good mental health and wellbeing.

Every Thursday, 10am - 12pm
Paignton
January 8, 2024/by Lauren
Two people crafting

Paignton Wellbeing Craft Group

This group is focused around craft, so you can get creative, put your artistic skills to the test and create something, or just have a coffee and a chat.

Every Tuesday, 10am - 1pm
Paignton
January 7, 2024/by Lauren
Torre Abbey Wellbeing Walk

Torquay Wellbeing Walk – Torre Abbey

This walk is designed to support you in increasing your activity levels and building connections with each other and the environment.

Fortnightly on Fridays, 2.15pm - 3.15pm
Torquay - Torre Abbey
January 7, 2024/by Lauren
Torquay sea view

Torquay Wellbeing Walk – Babbacombe

Available to all, this walk is designed to support our community in increasing their activity levels and building connections with each other and the environment.

Fortnightly on Fridays, 2.15pm - 3.15pm
Torquay - Babbacombe
January 7, 2024/by Lauren
A circle of feet all meeting in the middle

Men’s Wellbeing Walk

Our weekly Men’s Wellbeing Walk is specifically aimed at men to help support their mental health and wellbeing.

Every Tuesday from 10.15am
Paignton
January 7, 2024/by Lauren

Courses and workshops

In addition to our peer support groups, our wellbeing practitioners also offer a variety of self-help courses and workshops on mental health and wellbeing. Our courses and workshops are designed to help you develop coping skills, manage your mental health, and live a healthier and happier life.

Our courses and workshops are free to attend and open to anyone in Devon over the age of 18.

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