Mental health and wellbeing

First, its really important to let us know if you’re self-isolating. That means we can make sure you get the support you need.

How to report to us

The University has also compiled additional information and guidance.

Keeping Covid-safe

If you are in the UK and would like some one-to-one support, you can access the Mental Health and Wellbeing service at the University. A range of virtual help is available for a wide range of issues, and you don’t need a prior diagnosis of a mental health issue to get this help.

Personalised Support for your wellbeing

Please note: if you or a flatmate are experiencing a mental health emergency that needs an immediate response, please access our urgent support information.

Urgent support

Pause

Support is also provided by Pause, a team of qualified therapists, practitioners and volunteers. They are available on +44 (0)2078 414470 10am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Find out more about Pause

College Wellbeing Officers

Wellbeing Officers in your college are able to provide practical and emotional support for you if you are experiencing personal problems, particularly when these might interfere with your academic work.

Find out more about Wellbeing Officers
Request an online appointment

Self-help guides

You might find the University’s series of online self-help guides useful. These are available in leaflet and audio format, and were created by clinical psychologists to offer practical support for a wide range of issues.

View the self-help guides

Your student mentors are trained students who want to help support their peers. As well as arranging virtual social activities, they’re available for a virtual chat about issues large or small, or even if you’d just like someone different to talk to.

Find out more about Student Mentors
Email Student Mentors for support

If you’re feeling well during isolation, there’s no reason why you can’t stay active from the comfort of your accommodation. Visit the Home Workout Hub on Canvas, where you’ll find workouts, exercises, stretches and video classes that you can do in your room, guided by the expert instructors from the Sport & Fitness club on campus.

There is also some guidance on how to ease yourself back into exercise if you have been feeling unwell. All you need is a bit of space, and you can pick the workout that suits you – examples include an online cardio class, a chair yoga stretch, or a toning session for your core. This service is available to students who are isolating in UoB accommodation.

Discover more

If you ever feel unsafe for any reason, the University Security Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round. Call them on +44 (0)121 414 4444.

In an emergency, you can also call 999 for police, ambulance and fire service.

Please let whoever you speak to know that you are self-isolating. They will still come to you as quickly as they can, but this will allow them to take additional precautions for their own safety.

Urgent support

Kooth

This is a free, safe, anonymous way for young people to receive counselling, advice and support online. Staffed by fully-trained and qualified counsellors it is available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year. As well as counselling, peer-to-peer support can also be accessed through moderated message forums and an online magazine.

Visit Kooth

Samaritans

This free helpline offers support by phone, in confidence, from trained volunteers. It’s available all day, every day. Call 116 123.

Find out about Samaritans

Shout

This is a free crisis text service, available all day, every day. To access it, text Shout to 85258. All data is anonymised.

GP services (doctor)

You can also contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency phone appointment. In a crisis, you should be offered an appointment with the first available doctor.

GP appointments and bookings
Find your local GP