Mentoring

What is DSA Specialist Mentoring?

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Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Specialist Mentoring provides one-to-one support for students who experience mental health conditions, long-term illnesses, or disabilities that impact their studies. This service falls under Non-Medical Help (NMH) and is called Specialist Mental Health Mentoring. It is designed to help you manage challenges related to your university experience while building strategies to maintain well-being and academic success.

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Exhale Counselling & Mentoring offers tailored specialist mentoring for students receiving DSA support. Our person-centred approach provides a supportive and structured space for exploring challenges, developing coping strategies, and building confidence in academic and personal life.

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How Can Specialist Mentoring Help?

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Specialist mentoring is designed to provide emotional and practical support to help you thrive at university. It can help with:

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• Managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm

• Developing coping strategies for academic and personal challenges

• Improving time management, organisation, and motivation

• Building confidence in communication and social interactions

• Understanding and navigating university systems and expectations

• Exploring the impact of your diagnosis on your studies and daily life

• Addressing self-doubt and imposter syndrome

• Maintaining a healthy study-life balance

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Who is Eligible for DSA Mentoring?

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Students who have been assessed for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and have been allocated Specialist Mental Health Mentoring support can access these sessions. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, you can check your DSA assessment report or speak with your university’s disability services team. For more information about DSA and how to apply, visit the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa 

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Where and How Are Sessions Delivered?

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We offer in-person mentoring at the following universities:

• University of Essex (Colchester and Southend campuses)

• University Centre Colchester (Colchester Institute)

• University Centre Southend (South Essex College)

• Anglia Ruskin University (Chelmsford and Writtle campuses)

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We also provide remote mentoring for students across the UK, including Open University students. Sessions are flexible and can be adapted to suit your weekly or fortnightly needs.

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Why Choose Exhale Counselling & Mentoring?

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We are passionate about supporting students through their university journeys. We understand the pressures of university life and the impact of mental health challenges, and we take great pride in being part of each student’s growth and success. Our mentoring sessions are tailored to your needs, providing a nonjudgmental, understanding, and empowering space to help you thrive.

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If you have been allocated specialist mentoring through DSA and are looking for support, please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can collaborate.