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Advice if you're worried about a student

Life-threatening emergency

If someone's life is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.

If you are on campus, call 999 and then .

Signs that someone is struggling

If someone is struggling, they may not open up or ask for help at first. Some signs to watch out for include:

  • mood changes (appearing irritable, defensive, tearful, anxious, etc)
  • social withdrawal
  • changes in attendance at lectures, tutorials or missing deadlines
  • changes in personal appearance (significant loss weight, appearing unkept etc.)
  • concerning behaviour.

How you can help

It's important to understand that making things OK is not your responsibility. However, the support you offer can be really valuable.

Talk to them.

Talking can give someone an opportunity to open up and confide, or it may just show them that people care. Do not force someone to talk to you though.

Read some tips on how to reach out to a fellow student.

Help them get support

We have put together a list of helpful resources which might be a helpful place to start.

Or they can accessing Wellbeing Services by making contact with the Counselling Service, the Mental Health Advisory Service or the Disability and Dyslexia Service.

Mind, a mental health charity, has some useful advice about how to support someone in getting support. Remember though, you cannot force anyone to get help.

Request support on their behalf

If you want to tell us about someone you are worried about, you can get in touch with the Wellbeing Services or if you think the matter is urgent you can .

Looking after yourself

If someone you know or care about is going through a difficult time, it can take its toll on you too. Do not let yourself or your studies suffer. Read the advice from Mind on looking after yourself when supporting someone else. 

If you're a student, you can talk to us about how you are feeling. Find out what support is available.