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Sidmouth Headlight

LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 2026
A new, peer to peer support group for young people, aged 13-18

What is Headlight ? 

Joining Form

Headlight is a safe, welcoming space where young people can take some time, be themselves, feel supported, and connect with others.

Whatever the challenges you’re going through, Headlight will offer a positive space with people who understand. Sessions will be structured but relaxed, with themed activities, shared food, and time to build friendships and connect with peers. Most importantly, our group will be built around the belief that your mental health matters and that no one has to face things alone.

Our experienced team will facilitate peer group discussions around a wide range of themes such as:

We also address difficult subjects in a safe and supportive way, including stress, depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.

As part of our Sidmouth Headlight peer group, each young person will be encouraged to attend regular 1-2-1 mentoring with our Mental Health Wellbeing Worker where they will develop individualised plans focussing on ways to better manage their mental health.

If you think we can offer you or your family member some support, please get in touch via our joining form. We welcome referrals from young people themselves, parents, carers, schools, GPs and other professionals.

Meet the SidmouthTeam

Our Sidmouth team are experienced and friendly mental health support workers and volunteers who create a safe, welcoming environment where you can be yourself and get the help you need.

Want to know more about our staff? Visit our staff page to learn about the wider Action East Devon team.

Angela Lloyd

Wellbeing Worker

Jenny Kim

Group Facilitator

More to follow

Volunteer

What We Will Do In Group Sessions

Our peer support groups will meet fortnightly in a welcoming, no-pressure environment where everyone is respected and heard. There’s no pressure to share straight away, we understand it takes time to settle in. As you become more comfortable, we encourage you to engage as fully as possible, as the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.

Each session will blend creative activities, shared meals, and relaxed social time in a confidential, supportive setting. Whether we’re making art, trying new recipes, or simply spending time together, you’ll be among people who genuinely understand that mental health matters and that no one should face challenges alone.

Those who’ve been part of Headlight tell us they’ve made genuine friendships, felt truly listened to, and discovered a safe space to be themselves. Many have grown in confidence and learned practical tools to help them cope with their mental health.

When & Where

As a fortnightly peer support group, we ask young people to commit to attending regularly. Consistent attendance helps you build connections with the group and get the most from the sessions.

When: Mondays, 6-8pm (sessions run on alternate weeks)

Where: Twyford House, Coburg Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 8NF

Age Group: 13-18 years old (for young people in secondary school and beyond)

Twyford House provides a large, open space where we hope young people will feel comfortable and relaxed for our group sessions. It is easy to drop young people off outside, and includes a private room for 1-2-1 mentoring.

How to Register/Refer into Sidmouth Headlight

We welcome referrals from young people themselves, parents, carers, schools, GPs and other professionals. 

The Referral Process

  1. Fill out the referral form Complete our online referral form with some basic information about you or the young person you’re referring.
  2. We’ll get in touch within 7-10 days Once we receive a referral, a member of our team will get in touch. For young people aged 18 and over, we’ll contact them directly. For those under 18, we’ll contact the parent or carer. Please note: Some of our groups do have a waiting list. We’ll let you know if this is the case and keep you updated.
  3. Initial conversation We’ll have a chat over the phone to find out more about what’s going on for the young person and answer any questions you might have about Headlight.
  4. Come in for an assessment After our phone conversation, we’ll invite you to come into the centre. This is a chance to:
    • Meet the staff
    • See the venue
    • Hold an assessment
    • Explore whether Headlight is a good fit
    • Talk about your needs and what support is needed
  5. Join the group If everything aligns and Headlight feels like the right place for you, you’ll be invited to attend the next peer support group session. We’ll be there to welcome you and help you settle in.
  6. Signposting It could be that peer support is not for you or Headlight cannot offer the support that you need. Each individual case is assessed separately and in some cases signposting is the most appropriate decision. In that instance the team may recommend another service for you.
  7. Recieving 1-2-1 Mentoring Once you are registered and engaging with the peer support group your Mental Health Support worker will reach out to you on a fortnightly basis to remind you about group sessions and to offer 1-2-1 mentoring.
Joining Form