Thursday 17-05-2018 - 16:00

We've been working with the University to tackle the underlying issues affecting student mental health. We’ve also been lobbying the University to put more support in place and improve its communication with students about everything that has happened. We'd like to highlight some of the actions that we are taking, which you might also find useful:

March for Mental Health

We will be supporting and promoting the student demonstration for Mental Health on May 25 to ensure the University hears the voices of students on this issue. We encourage you to do the same!

Mental Health Survey

We will use the results of the recent mental health survey as an evidence base in our work with the University, developing effective interventions that will make a real difference to students who are struggling.

Drop in service

We are working with the university to offer a short-term support and drop-in service to be hosted at the SU, from Monday 21 May – Friday 8 June from 12-2pm to provide face-to-face one-to-one support for students and staff who have been affected by recent student deaths. The sessions will be held on the 5th floor of the Richmond Building in the Centre for English Language and Foundation Studies.These sessions will be provided by trained therapists and counsellors working with local charities and providers in the city.

We’re aware that this may not meet the needs of all students and that face-to-face is not always the preferred access point for all. As such we also want to reiterate support that students and staff can access both within the University and with the city.

Local Contacts

The University and Students’ Union have been in proactive conversations with local mental health and wellbeing providers in the city, to identify how we can work together to provide critical support for our student community at this time. If you've been affected then you might wish to contact one of the following services:

Bristol Mind – Open from Wednesday-Sunday 8pm-midnight. Call on: 0808 808 0330

Bristol Samaritans 

Emotional support, all day and night (24/7) every day via

o             Freephone 116123 (this number is free from all mobile, even without credit and won't show on itemised phone bills)

o             Text on 07725 909090

o             Email on jo@samaritans.org  (can be a delay for reply)

Bristol Crisis Service

High-quality 24/7 support to people experiencing an extreme mental health or emotional crisis that requires help. The service is staffed by dedicated clinical staff who deliver compassionate and effective support.

The service offers a telephone line to support people in mental health crisis and professionals and others who are supporting people in mental health crisis. This line is open 24 hours a day, every day. All callers speak to a mental health professional who is trained in responding to mental health crises. The team arranges for those in most urgent need to be seen within one hour. For contact details follow: http://www.bristolmentalhealth.org/services/crisis-service/

Bristol Sanctuary

A place to come when you are in serious emotional distress. We aim to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where you can take stock and find some balance. Open 6pm-12.30am Friday-Monday. For details see:  http://www.bristolmentalhealth.org/services/bristol-sanctuary/

Off the Record

Off the record are a charity who provide mental health services for young people. Hubs are available to drop in to for a chat and to find out what services may be available to you. You can find out more details about attending here: http://www.otrbristol.org.uk/what-we-do/hubs/

Big White Wall - Visit http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/ 

Nightline

A confidential and anonymous support telephone line provided by students. You can call to talk about anything, and they offer both a telephone line and instant messaging service. Phone open 8pm-8am. Call on: 01179 266 266 For more info: http://bristol.nightline.ac.uk/

distrACT App

The FREE distrACT app gives people who self-harm and/or feel suicidal discreet access to information and advice, so they can manage difficult feelings, cope with a crisis and find help and support. It was developed by university and NHS partners in Bristol. You can find out more information here: www.expertselfcare.com/health-apps/distract/

Kooth

An online counselling platform, that offers free and anonymous support. You can join here: https://kooth.com/