Groups and workshops
There are a number of groups run by the Advice and Counselling Service, sometimes in liaison with external services. Take a look below to see what groups are currently available.
If you are interested in longer-term group therapy, then you can find out more on our Group Therapy page.
Mindfulness courses
Learn more about how your mind works, and how this impacts on your everyday life including how you cope (or not) with pain, stress and difficulty.
The sessions will involve some teaching, as well as guided meditation practices and group discussions. You will also be encouraged to do small “homework” assignments but these are not mandatory.
These sessions are led by Vuong Nhat Thanh (Student Wellbeing Adviser).
Course dates:
Semester 1
- Faculty of Science & Engineering students: 4 week group on Mondays from 7 – 28 October 2024, 5pm - 6:30pm
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences students: 4 week group on Mondays from 11 November - 2nd December 2024, 5pm - 6:30pm
Semester 2
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry: 4 week group on Mondays from 3 February - 24 February 2025, 3pm - 5pm. Sessions will take place in Room 1.30 of the Garrod Building, Whitechapel Campus
How to join:
For more information and to register for the Semester 2 course, please visit the registration form
This page will be updated when new courses/ dates are available.
PhD Support Group
The PhD Support Group is run by the Advice and Counselling Service. It aims to provide a safe, confidential space in which PhD students support each other with personal, emotional and relationship issues that are holding them back. Find out more information on the PhD Support Group page.
If you are a PG Research student, you can also attend workshops run by the Queen Mary Academy.
If you are a postgraduate research student, you can also attend a variety of courses run by the Queen Mary Academy aimed at supporting you through your doctoral studies.
Self Compassion Group
Group focussing on understanding and developing compassion for our selves. The group will take place in person and will involve myth busting, group discussions, in-session exercises and between-session exercises.
Group dates:
- Semester 1: 6 week group on Tuesdays from 15 October - 26 November 2024, 2:30pm to 4pm. (There will be a break on Tuesday 5 November for Reading Week)
- Semester 2: 6 week group on Tuesdays from 11 February - 25 March 2025, 2:30pm to 4pm. (There will be a break on Tuesday 4 March for Reading Week)
How to join:
Students need to be referred by a member of the Advice and Counselling team. For further information, you can download the flyer: Self Compassion Group Flyer [PDF 1,216KB] If you are interested in attending the group, you should contact welfare@qmul.ac.uk.
Therapeutic Gym Group for Black Women
Group for black women to take part in an assisted workout with a trainer at Q-motion on the Mile End campus, followed by a reflective session.
Workouts will be 40 minutes and will include Boxfit, Cycle, HIIT strength and Hatha Yoga. Afterwards, we will come together in a private, safe and confidential space and spend 60 minutes talking about the session and what came up for us, alongside themed topics.
Group dates:
- Semester 1: 6 week programme on Mondays from 21 October - 25 November, 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
- Semester 2: 6 week programme on Mondays from 10 March - 14 April, 1:45pm to 3:30pm. *There are a few places available for self-referrals to the Semester 2 programme. Please contact Erin Thompson (erin.thompson@qmul.ac.uk) by Fri 22nd Feb to express your interest*
How to join:
Students who identify as black and female will be contacted directly by email with an invitation to apply for the group.
Walking Mensday's
Looking for a supportive space to connect with others and talk about wellbeing? Men often feel pressure to hide emotions and avoid seeking help, but this group is here to help break that cycle. Together, we’ll explore how opening up can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster connection, while enjoying nature. Join us for meaningful conversations and a breath of fresh air.
The weekly wellbeing walk is open to all Queen Mary students who identify as male. The group, consisting of up to 10 people, lasts 90-minutes and runs for 4 weeks. It offers the opportunity to connect with yourself, fellow students and to explore the local area, come rain or shine! The walk itself will involve some simple guided meditation techniques and will last approx. 45 mins. This will be followed by a reflective space to discuss topics salient to men’s mental health in a safe and confidential way.
Group dates:
How to join:
Requirements
- Ability to part-take in a gentle walk at a comfortable pace for approx. 45 minutes as well as engage in group led discussions around men's mental health.
- Bring comfortable footwear i.e., trainers or walking shoes
- Appropriate layers of clothing depending on the weather
- Waterproofs such as: poncho or umbrella in the event of rain
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Bottle of water for hydration
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Commitment to all 4 weeks
- No previous experience of mindfulness, meditation or therapy required
For more information or questions about the group please email both Vuong Ngo (v.n.t.ngo@qmul.ac.uk) and Jonathan Pinto (j.pinto@qmul.ac.uk).
