Many students experience difficulties during their studies, for many different reasons. Your students’ union or student representative body is often a good source of advice and may be able to direct you to further support, and your provider is likely to have advice/wellbeing services that may be able to help.
The cost of living crisis is causing financial difficulties and considerable anxiety and stress for many students. We encourage you to seek support if you need it.
On this page we include information on some external sources of support on various issues that you may find helpful.
Crisis helplines/advice for general mental health
- Emergency Services
Call: 999 or 111 (select option 2 to access urgent mental health support in Wales) - NHS urgent mental health helplines
For people of all ages in England
Website: www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline - Shout
The UK's free, confidential and 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support
Text: “SHOUT” to 85258 (UK-wide) 24/7 Free text messaging service | Website: www.giveusashout.org - Samaritans
Provide emotional support for people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They allow people to talk about feelings of distress and despair, are confidential and offer non-judgmental support.
Call: 116 123 (Free phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) | Email: jo@samaritans.org | Website: www.samaritans.org - Mind Infoline
Information on types of mental health issues, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy.
Call: 0300 123 3393 (Local phone rates, 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri) | Text: 86463 | Email: info@mind.org.uk | Website: www.mind.org.uk
Financial difficulties/cost of living pressures
-
MoneyHelper
A free government-backed service offering impartial guidance and a live chat facility.
Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en -
Blackbullion
Guidance on financial planning for students.
Email: support@blackbullion.com | Website: www.blackbullion.com -
StepChange
Guidance for students in debt, an interactive ‘how can we help you’, online debt advice and a free helpline. | Website: https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/student-debt-help.aspx
Call: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm) -
Citizen’s Advice
Free, independent information and advice for people on money, legal, consumer, housing and other problems.
Call: England Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 | Wales Advicelink: 0800 702 2020 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) | Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Support for rape victims
- Rape Crisis
Supports anyone who has experienced rape, child sexual abuse and/or any other kind of sexual violence. Runs local helplines and centres across England and Wales.
Call: 0808 500 2222 (available 24/7) | Website: www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Crime victims
- Victim Support
Supports people affected by crime or traumatic events. Confidential free helpline for anyone affected by crime as well as emotional and practical support, including advice on legal proceedings.
Call: 08081689111 (open 24/7) | Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
General advice, information and support
- Citizen’s Advice
Free, independent information and advice for people on money, legal, consumer, housing and other problems.
Call: England Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 | Wales Advicelink: 0800 702 2020 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) | Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk - Gov.uk
Information on all government services, including money, tax, benefits, disability, employment and carers rights.
Website: www.gov.uk