Reach out and find support this University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health Day (#UniMentalHealthDay) is on Thursday 4 March 2021.

Experiencing mental health difficulties at university can feel overwhelming and with the continuing coronavirus pandemic and students learning remotely, it’s more important than ever that we all reach out to our university friends, family or colleagues to stay connected and find out how they are feeling and coping at this difficult time.

The charity Student Minds offers some helpful tips on how to start a conversation with a friend, loved one or colleague. They advise to choose somewhere quiet without interruptions where you can have a relaxed conversation. This could be going for a walk (socially distanced) if possible as sometimes it’s easier to talk openly when the focus isn’t just on the conversation you are having. Remember to make sure you have enough time to really listen. Visit www.studentminds.org.uk/startingaconversation.html for more helpful information on how to start that important conversation.

In normal circumstances, students would be able to seek face-to-face mental health and wellbeing advice through a variety of different sources of support on university campuses including student support services, counselling services, academic and personal tutors. However, there are still many ways students, their parents, carers and guardians can access support if they have mental health concerns.

GP - speak to your GP as they will be aware of services that are available that can help.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) - sometimes known as talking therapies - provide evidence-based treatments for people experiencing anxiety and depression. Find your local service here.

MIND - the infoline on 0300 123 3393 provides an information and signposting service. They are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).

NHS 111 - if you need urgent medical advice call NHS 111 (England and Wales). Help and support is also available online https://111.nhs.uk

NHS 24 (Scotland) on 08454 242424.

Nightline - find out if your university is covered by a Nightline here: www.nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/

Papyrus - if you or a young person you know is not coping with life, please contact HopelineUK for confidential suicide prevention advice. They are open 9am-12am (midnight) every day of the year on 0800 068 4141. Visit www.papyrus-uk.org/

Samaritans - open every day of the year, providing emotional support. Call for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Student Minds - offer student-led group support for students experiencing low mood, mild depression and eating difficulties. Visit www.studentminds.org.uk

Student Space - there for students during the coronavirus pandemic. They can offer help and support as well as trusted information, services and tools to help with the challenges of student life. To reach out and start a conversation, you can also text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258 or call them for free on 0808 189 5260 between 3pm and 12am (midnight). Visit studentspace.org.uk

If you need immediate medical help call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency (A&E).

This list is not exhaustive. For more information visit www.studentminds.org.uk/supportatyouruniversityandfurther.html

For students in Kent and Medway

Kent and Medway Safe Havens are run by Mental Health Matters and offer face-to-face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway to anyone aged 16+. No appointment or referral is needed.

If you are attending any one of the Safe Havens below please ensure you are following government guidelines and attend wearing a face covering.

Canterbury

• Email Canterbury.mhm@nhs.net
• Visit: 22-23 North Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7EE

Maidstone

• Email Maidstone.mhm@nhs.net
• Visit: Mid Kent Mind, 23 College Road, Maidstone, ME15 6YH

Medway

• Email Medway.mhm@nhs.net 
• Visit: Age UK, MacKenney Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2BX

Thanet

• Email Thanet.mhm@nhs.net
• Visit: Thanet Safe Haven, Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s Avenue, Dane Valley, Margate, CT9 3TN

Folkestone and Hythe

Hestia offers an open access walk in service for residents of Folkestone and Hythe who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Folkestone Haven is open from 6pm-11pm weekdays and 12pm-11pm weekends and Bank Holidays, 365 days a year for anyone aged 18+.

Contact the Folkestone haven:

• Email Folkestone.haven@hestia.org
• Facebook message @hestiafolkestonehaven
• Visit: Rainbow Centre, 69 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone CT20 2AF

Mental Health Matters has a phone line which is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is provided by an independent charity. Call 0800 107 0160 to speak to someone in the highly-trained and experienced Mental Health Matters team. Visit https://www.mhm.org.uk/

Call the Release the Pressure helpline on 0800 107 0160 if you’re feeling stressed for free confidential support at any time. You can also text ‘Kent’ to 85258 for 24-hour mental health crisis support via text from trained volunteers. This service is provided by SHOUT and you can visit their website www.giveusashout.org/

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) - for adults of Kent and Medway. Call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111 if you need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance. For more information if you need help in a mental health crisis or emergency please visit www.kmpt.nhs.uk/need-help/

Live Well Kent can support you with:

• Managing your money, including debt and benefits
• Housing support and guidance
• Improving your relationships
• Accessing counselling.
• Basic advice on healthy living and helping you set some goals to make positive lifestyle changes.

You can contact Live Well Kent by phoning 0800 567 7699 or visit https://livewellkent.org.uk/