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're on campus, call 999 and then contact the Safeguarding Team.
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 okay 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 useful place to start.
Or they can try accessing Student Support and Wellbeing by making contact with the Counselling Service or the Disability and Mental Health 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 Student Support and Wellbeing or, if you think the matter is urgent, you can email the Safeguarding team.
Looking after yourself
If someone you know or care about is going through a difficult time, it can take its toll on you too. Don't 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're feeling. Find out what support is available.