Mental Health and Wellbeing
Experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse, sexual misconduct, hate incidents or other inappropriate behaviour can affect your mental health, wellbeing and sense of belonging. It may also impact your studies, work, relationships and confidence.
Support is available whether you have experienced something yourself, witnessed an incident, or are concerned about someone else.
People respond to difficult experiences in different ways. There is no "right" way to feel. You may experience a range of emotional, physical and practical impacts immediately after an incident, or these may emerge over time.
How might this affect me?
Everyone's experience is different, but you may notice an impact on:
- Your mood, confidence or self-esteem
- Your ability to concentrate, focus or make decisions
- Your motivation, attendance or engagement with your studies
- Your sleep, eating habits or physical wellbeing
- Your relationships with friends, family or colleagues
- Your sense of safety or belonging within the University community
If your wellbeing is affecting your student experience, the University can work with you to identify appropriate support and help. Seeking support early can help identify options and ensure you receive timely and appropriate advice and support.
Support for Students
Students: The University offers a range of free wellbeing, mental health and counselling support services. The Student Wellbeing Service provides same-day advice, specialist wellbeing and mental health support, counselling, workshops, courses and events. Support is available whether you are experiencing difficulties yourself, are concerned about someone else, or have been affected by behaviour reported through Report + Support.
Supporting Someone Else
You may be worried about a friend, course mate, flatmate, colleague or another member of the University community.
You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is listen without judgement, take their concerns seriously and help them access appropriate support.
You can:
- Ask how they are doing and whether they feel safe
- Listen and allow them to talk at their own pace
- Avoid pressuring them to make a report or take a particular course of action
- Encourage them to access University or external support services
- Offer practical support where appropriate
- Share your concern with the University
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, contact the emergency services on 999.
Urgent Support and Mental Health Crisis
If you need urgent support outside normal University opening hours, help is available.
- Contact the University's 24/7 Student Helpline for immediate emotional support, practical guidance and wellbeing advice at any time of the day or night on 0800 028 3766.
- If you are on campus and concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of another person, contact University Security on +44 (0)23 9284 3333.
- Call NHS 111 if you need urgent mental health advice or support.
- Contact your GP and request an urgent appointment.
- Contact the Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Support for Staff
- Talk to your line manager/supervisor
- The University offers a range of health and wellbeing support through Occupational Health.
- Talk to the University Chaplaincy Service
- Staff Wellbeing
- Access Employee Assist Programme EAP
Other Sources of Support
- Report and Support for advice and reporting options for staff and students who have experienced bullying, assault, discrimination or harassment. You can also report witnessing these things happening to others.
- Mind is a national charity with local centres which provides information, support and guidance for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, or anyone who is supporting someone with a mental health problem. They also have a comprehensive list of specialist organisations and resources.
- Time To Change
- Mindful Employer
- Mind Out is a national mental health service run by and for the LGBTQ+ community
You do not need to decide whether to make a formal complaint before seeking support. If you have been affected by inappropriate behaviour, you can talk through your options with an adviser, access support, or submit a report anonymously if you prefer.