# Exeter Wellbeing Network (EWN)
**Source**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/wellbeing/#a4
**Parent**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/
- [About](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/about/)
- [Equality Groups](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/equalitygroups/)
- [Networks and societies](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/)
- [The Collective for Racial Justice](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/thecollectiveforracialjustice/)
- [Cornwall Disability Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/cornwalldisabilitynetwork/)
- [Disability Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/disabilitynetwork/)
- [International Staff and PGR Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/isn/)
- [Cornwall Wellbeing Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/cornwallwellbeingnetwork/)
- [Kemeneth](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/kemeneth/)
- [LGBTQ+ Staff Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/lgbtq_staff/)
- [LGBTQ+ Student Society](https://my.exeterguild.com/groups/FD3HB/lgbtq-society)
- [Neurodiversity Cafe](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/neurodiversitycafe/)
- [Parents and Carers Networks](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/pandc/)
- [Soapbox Science](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/events/soapboxscience/)
- [SU Pride Society (Penryn Campus)](https://www.thesu.org.uk/organisation/pridesociety/)
- Exeter Wellbeing Network
- [Women on Boards](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/wob/)
- [Women's Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/womensnetwork/)
- [Contact us ›](
mailto:wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk
)
- [Join the network ›](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d10qkZj77k6vMhM02PBKUxSJCVYI3aFOqKViBRgP3UFUMDU1RFhJQjI1MktXVUcwUDBKNzlaMUE3RCQlQCN0PWcu)
- [Follow us on Instagram ›](https://www.instagram.com/wellbeingnetwork_uoe/)
# Exeter Wellbeing Network (EWN)
Hello and a warm welcome to the Exeter Wellbeing Network!
We are a social group for staff and Post Graduate Researchers (PGRs), hosting a variety of events to help colleagues based at Streatham and St. Luke's connect with one another. It is entirely volunteer run and member led.
If you are looking for information about activities at Penryn, Falmouth and Truro, please visit the [Cornwall Wellbeing Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/cornwallwellbeingnetwork/) webpage.
You can view our recurring events below.**\**
[What this group is for?](#a0)
What the group is for:
- Open-minded conversations about how you are really feeling and doing
- An opportunity for social connection
- A supportive environment where all feel welcome
- An invitation to come along to activities and socials
What the group is not for:
- This group is in no way to be used as a replacement for professional help – e.g. counselling, therapy or advice from healthcare providers
- This is not group therapy, and we aim to be mindful about how we speak about what we’re going through so that others will not feel overburdened
- This group is not intended to be for advocacy, consultancy or policy feeding into the University – we can redirect you to the suitable spaces to do so
You can find information about University support for staff on the [Colleague Wellbeing](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/wellbeing/) webpages.
[I want to join the Network](#a1)
We launched in December 2022, have over 400 members and are always keen to welcome new people into our community.
If you would like to join our mailing list, Teams site, WhatsApp community, and sign up to *Fika Roulette* (our version of [Coffee Roulette](https://coffee-roulette.com/)), please complete this form: [Join the Wellbeing Network](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d10qkZj77k6vMhM02PBKUxSJCVYI3aFOqKViBRgP3UFUMDU1RFhJQjI1MktXVUcwUDBKNzlaMUE3RCQlQCN0PWcu).
If you have any difficulties with the form, or have any other questions, please email us: [wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk)
[Are you based in Cornwall?](#a2)
This page is for the Exeter branch of the Wellbeing Network, which runs events across the Streatham and St. Luke's campuses. If you are based in Cornwall and are looking for wellbeing-focussed activities across the Penryn, Falmouth and Truro campuses, please visit the [Cornwall Wellbeing Network](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/inclusion/groups/networks/cornwallwellbeingnetwork/) webpage.
[Recurring events](#a3)
All staff and PGRs are welcome to come along to any of our recurring events. Complete our [members form](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d10qkZj77k6vMhM02PBKUxSJCVYI3aFOqKViBRgP3UFUMDU1RFhJQjI1MktXVUcwUDBKNzlaMUE3RCQlQCN0PWcu) to join our Teams site for access to online and additional events.
For any questions, please email us at [wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk)
## Tuesdays
- **StaffCraft** *(Streatham & Online)* - drop in any time between 12:00-14:00 in the Queens Senior Common Room or on Teams
- **Luke'sCraft***(St. Luke's)* - drop in any time between 12:30-13:30 in South Cloisters 3rd Floor Foyer
## Wednesdays
- **Take a Moment***(Streatham & Online)*- join us from 9:00-9:20 for a reflection in the Multifaith Centre or on Teams
- **Singing at St. Luke's***(St. Luke's)* - drop in any time between 12:00-13:00 in St. Luke's Chapel
- **Fika Wednesdays** *(Streatham)* - drop in any time between 12:00-14:00 in the Multifaith Centre
## Thursdays
- **Mindful Meditation** *(Online)*- join us from 12:00-12:30 on Zoom (term time and July only)
- **Community Volunteer Garden** *(St. Luke's)* - drop in any time between 12:00-14:00 in the Garden
- **Walk & Talk** *(Streatham)* - join us from 13:00-13:30 meeting outside Northcote House Reception
- **Pub Trip** *(Streatham)* - drop in any time from 17:00 on the last Thursday of the month at [The Imperial](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Imperial+-+JD+Wetherspoon/@50.7302362,-3.5422593,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x486da448320a5f8d:0x5aa678fc23a00862!8m2!3d50.7302362!4d-3.5396844!16s%2Fg%2F11b6vb2nxj?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
## Fridays
- **Pub Trip** *(St. Luke's)* - drop in any time from 17:00 on the second Friday of the month at [The Mount Radford](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mount+Radford/@50.721236,-3.5196824,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x486da41712d8f0c5:0x51f362aa0c4cc5e0!8m2!3d50.721236!4d-3.5196824!16s%2Fg%2F1vg4j6q7?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
[FAQs](#a4)
*What is Fika?*
Fika is the Swedish custom of pausing, often for coffee and a sweet treat, during the work day to connect with others. We like to refer to it as *coffee, cake, and connection,* and have adopted the ethos of Fika across some of our events. You can learn more about the tradition by watching our [spotlight session](https://universityofexeteruk.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/WellbeingNetwork/EW3FPBxbviZCqjE278HBcEIBvuqra01Zo1gK465Isb9gpw?e=sSm21a&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D) from 16th October 2024.
*I can't attend in person events, what is there for me?*
We have our weekly Mindful Meditation on Thursdays at 12pm, Fika Fridays at 11am, and there is also an option to join our Tuesday StaffCraft sessions online too. In addition, *Fika Roulette* (our version of [Coffee Roulette](https://coffee-roulette.com/) where you are paired with a new person to connect with each month) matches colleagues from different locations, and you can arrange to meet online.
*I don't drink alcohol, can I attend the pub socials?*
Absolutely! These events do not have a focus on drinking, and many of our members do not drink alcohol.
## Meet the Wellbeing Network Committee
Exeter Wellbeing Network is entirely volunteer run and member led, with volunteers across all campuses. If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, please contact [wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk "mailto:wellbeing-network@exeter.ac.uk").
### Dave Newport
**Committee role:**\
Co-Chair
**University role:**\
Education Support Administrator\
\
Having faced long-term challenges with mental health, Dave was keen to be part of a community where people can openly share how they’re really feeling; he co-founded the Network in 2022 with this vision in mind. He believes that meaningful connection is vital for wellbeing and hopes the Network will be a space where people can come together and feel supported.
### Dr Caitlin Kight
**Committee role:**\
Co-Chair
**University role:**\
Lecturer in Education Studies
Dr Caitlin Kight's research topics include self-study, reflective practice, and social justice, all of which are integrally linked to wellbeing. She is interested in promoting compassion and kindness in the workplace and in society more generally.
### Tasha Hammond
**Committee role:**\
Co-Chair and Events Officer (Cornwall)
**University role:**\
PhD student within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Tasha joined the Wellbeing Network Committee as a representative for PGRs, after experiencing mental health difficulties during her own postgraduate journey. She wants to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting open conversations about anxiety and depression, and to provide support to other PGRs through shared experiences and signposting to support services.
### Jen Keywood
**Committee role:**\
Comms Officer (Cornwall)
**University role:**
Internal Communications Officer at FX Plus
Jen is based in Cornwall at our Penryn campus, the campus shared by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Working at FX Plus, and on behalf of both universities, Jen joined the committee to support the network’s presence in Cornwall and to help provide all staff with opportunities to connect with colleagues and engage in activities which have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. She is passionate about the development of our shared communities and networks and believes that creating a sense of place for everyone is important. Jen is also a Network Representative for the Parent and Carers Network in Cornwall and, as a mother of two young children, has a particular interest in initiatives supporting parents and promoting good mental health and wellbeing practices within the workplace.
### Terri Watkins
**Committee role:**\
Co-Chair
**University role:**\
University Mental Health Charter Programme Manager
Having been on her own wellbeing journey over the past few years Terri wanted to join a like-minded community and share experiences with others. As her work at the University is focused on developing work on mental health she also wanted to connect with colleagues about this topic and give something back.
### Ramona Nash
**Committee role:**\
Co-Chair
**University role:**\
Multifaith Chaplaincy Coordinator
Ramona joined the Committee in 2024, having discovered that her role in the University Chaplaincy had many aims in common with the Wellbeing Network: non-judgmental listening, care for the Uni community, and creating spaces of belonging and connection for staff as well as students on campus. Ramona believes that empathy and compassion are crucial for life at University, both for individuals and for the community as a whole. She’s also keen on fika!
### Sue Whiffin
**Committee role:**
Events Officer (St. Luke's)
**University role:**
Research Centre Manager
Sue is passionate about wellbeing and crafting – and even more so if the two are combined! Having organised several sessions within the Medical School as part of away days, charity events and the pre-Covid crafting group at St Luke’s, she was only too happy to join up with the Wellbeing Network Committee to help facilitate a regular craft session on St Luke’s Campus to provide a welcome and enjoyable session away from the challenges of daily working life. Sue also supports the St Luke’s Volunteer Garden, which was set up to enhance and foster wellbeing by providing a quiet space for staff to interact with green spaces.
### Meg Haslam
**Committee role:**
Digital Officer
**University role:** \
Sustainability Assistant
Having joined the Network in 2025, Meg was keen to connect with like-minded people who care about wellbeing, mindfulness and building a supportive campus culture. With a busy schedule, she’s found yoga and time in nature helpful ways to slow down and recharge. As a Sustainable Living Assistant, Meg’s also interested in how sustainability and wellbeing overlap, especially how being more mindful and connected to the natural world can support both people and planet. She brings digital and design skills to the committee and is looking forward to helping the network grow and reach more people across the University.
### Katie Briggs
**Committee role:\**Events Officer (St. Luke’s)
**University role: \**Administrator
Katie works as an administrator providing support to various academic colleagues within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.
Katie joined the University in 2021 and has always really enjoyed taking part in extra social activities, clubs and workshops within the University setting. She wanted to join the Wellbeing Network to give something back and to help spread the word about the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.
Arts and crafts are a real passion for her, and she has run a few jewellery making workshops for the department at away days and other events.
### Fintan May
**Committee role:\**Admin Officer
**University role:**
Global Opportunities Administrator
As someone who has struggled with mental health for most of his life, Fin joined the wellbeing network to connect with and support others. When not attending fika sessions or providing admin support for the network and the Global Opportunities team you can usually find Fin performing with his band in and around Exeter - including at the University!
### Hannah Timson
**Committee role:\**Comms Officer
**University role:**
IT Services Change and Communications Lead
Having struggled with her own mental health and learned to embrace her neurodiversity, including ADHD and ASD, Hannah’s experiences shape how she communicates and why she values clarity, inclusion, and openness. She works in IT Services as the Change and Communications Lead, focusing on helping people understand change and feel supported through it. Hannah cares strongly about building communities that are realistic, supportive, and free from judgement, and about talking openly about wellbeing in ways that are useful, respectful, and human.