Support at your university and further

You can access support at your university and a range of services through the NHS, charities and online.

1. Support at your university

​Universities have a range of different services to support student wellbeing.

Visit your university’s website to find out what specific support is available, this might include counselling, student advice services, support networks as well as other resources. Wherever you seek support it’s important to remember that if it isn’t quite right for you, that’s okay – you can try something else. At Student Minds we encourage the use of a range of support.

​​Please note that services vary from university to university, the best way to find out what support is available at your specific university is to look on your university website or use the university search on the Student Space website.

You can expect to find the following services at your university or local community:

GP

Visiting your GP is a good first step to take when thinking about getting treatment. This can seem like a scary prospect, but it is a very important step in the road to recovery.

As well as offering support your GP will be aware of the services that are available to you and will be able to point you in the right direction. ​Your GP will also be able to discuss medication options with you, you can find straight talking info and videos about medication here.

Helpful hint

- It can be helpful to write down what you have been experiencing before you go to your first appointment.
- You could also take a friend if that would help with your apprehension, it is also within your rights to ask for a doctor that is the same gender as you.
- For more tips on speaking to a GP take a look at our video.

Helpful hint

Need to register?
- Take a look at the NHS directory of GP surveys.
- You can look into GP surgeries that specialises in mental health.
- If you are not registered with a GP where you are you can request an emergency appointment or a temporary location appointment.

University counselling

The University Counselling Service is a chance to explore and understand the issues you raise in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Details of your university counselling service will be available on your university website.

Helpful hint

- Write down what you’ve been experiencing, it may help during your first session to have these notes in front of you.
- It will be one-to-one.
- It will last around an hour.
- There may be a wait for counselling, but there are lots of great self help resources out there that may be helpful during this time. You can look at our 'Look After Your Mental Wellbeing' page for some further resources.

Advice centre

Advice Services are a free, confidential service where students can get information and advice on personal and academic issues such as finance and accommodation. They are often run by professional advisors who are independent of the University and you can find them in your Students Union or University building. They are the best people to contact if you are not sure what support you need - they can direct you to the most appropriate form of support.

Helpful hint

- You can ask to speak privately
​- Don’t be afraid to take notes

2. Further services

Here are some further contacts that may be of use:

Psychological therapies (IAPT) ​

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
IAPT services provide evidence based treatments for people with anxiety and depression. Details of local IAPT services are available on NHS Choices.

​You can find out more about IAPT here.

On your campus

• Many universities employ a Mental Health Adviser to provide ongoing support to students with mental health problems.
• Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) are a funding stream for UK students who fit the criteria of being "disabled". They can help pay for extra costs a student might have as a direct result of their disability, including a long-term health condition, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. 
• Chaplaincy and multi faith centre
• Library
• Student's Union, in particular your welfare officer
• Academics such as your tutor
• Student Minds groups and workshops
• Other support groups
• Buddy/ mentoring schemes

Phonelines

General helplines

• Samaritans
• Nightline
• Saneline
• NHS 111
• Mind
• ​​The Mix

More specific helplines

• Papyrus - if you are thinking about suicide, or concerned about a young person.
• Women’s Aid - National Domestic Violence Helpline
• Money advice service
• CALM - support, information and signposting for men.
• Rape crisis service
  

In the community

• GUM/ sexual health clinics
• Citizens advice
• Local Mind
• Local Mindfulness
• Relate - largest provider of relationship support.
• Victims Support - help after crime.
• Loss Foundation - providing free cancer bereavement support.

Online support and apps

Online:

• Elefriends - a safe place to listen, share and be heard, ran by Mind.
• Big White Wall - a safe and anonymous peer support community.
• Stonewall - Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across Britain.​
• Moodgym - an interactive self-help book.
• Every Mind Matters - an online tool to help you manage and maintain your mental health
• The Mix - free, confidential help online. They connect young people to experts, information and other young people to talk ​

Apps:​

• Headspace - meditation made simple.​
• Silver cloud - an online course to help people manage stress, anxiety and depression. 

Support through coronavirus

Student Space is here for you through coronavirus. However you’re feeling help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life: studentspace.org.uk