Mental health and wellbeing

We understand that life at university can sometimes be hard, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that we’re here to support you through every step of your journey with us.

We want you to be kind to yourself whilst you’re at university and to be able to strike a balance that works for you. If you need help with this or if you need someone to talk to about any issues that are worrying you, we are here to listen and offer support, advice, and guidance.

Wellbeing practical advice and support

• Are you worried, stressed, or anxious about something?
• Struggling with low mood/depression?
• Feel like things aren’t working out?
• Need someone to listen and help you figure out what your options are?

Our friendly and approachable team is here to listen, offer guidance, and help you meet your needs. Sometimes, students might need some targeted, short-term support, and members of the team can help with this.

To get started, fill out our web form.

Wellbeing drop-in support

We have a student support drop-in that offers same-day support to all our students. It’s a chance to have an initial chat with one of the wellbeing team and explore options of support. The wellbeing drop-in runs Monday-Friday and can be accessed face-to-face or over the phone. The face-to-face drop-in runs from 12.30-3.30pm Monday to Friday in SG30 St Georges Building, or you can call 01603 977988.

Counselling

If you feel you need help and support beyond that offered by tutors, friends or family, counselling could help. Talking to a counsellor in a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential setting can enable you to work through your problems with the aim of reaching a solution.

We offer free, confidential counselling services for all students, provided by professional counsellors at either The Norwich Centre or St. Barnabas Counselling Centre. Both centres are accredited by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and fully adhere to its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

The Norwich Centre

Students can contact The Norwich Centre directly by calling 01603 613515 or emailing admin@norwichcentre.org.

An initial exploratory session can determine if regular counselling is appropriate.

St. Barnabas Counselling Centre

Students can contact St. Barnabas Counselling Centre directly by calling 01603 625222 or emailing admin@stbcc.org.uk.

An initial session will explore with you whether regular counselling is appropriate.

Out of hours support

Available evenings & weekends

• Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. You can call them on 116 123
• Papyrus HOPELINE is available 24 hours a day. Call 0800 0684141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
• You can text Shout on 85258, they are available 24 hours a day. Free to use on all major UK mobile networks 
• You can call the NHS on 111 and choose option 2. Helpline for those experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe distressed or worried about your mental health 
• Kooth.com is an online community to support mental health and wellbeing. Service is for those 25 AND UNDER. Trained counsellors are available evenings & weekends 
• Qwell.io is an online community to support mental health and wellbeing. Service is for those 26 AND OVER. Trained counsellors are available evenings & weekends 
• Student Minds have launched studentspace.org.uk dedicated support services for students, by phone or text 

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department