Being subjected to any form of harmful behaviour can impact your emotional wellbeing. We understand the importance of looking after yourself and have a range of support services tailored to your specific needs that can be accessed when required.
Urgent Support
In an emergency always call 999 if you, or someone else, is seriously ill, injured or life is at risk.
If you believe you are unable to keep yourself safe you can attend your local A and E for immediate crisis support or call 999. The nearest A&E to the University is at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
The University Security Services work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. You can call them on 0121 414 4444. They provide assistance in an emergency as well as help in urgent but non-life threatening situations. In case of an emergency always dial 999 first.
You can contact your GP surgery and ask for an emergency phone appointment. In a crisis, you should be offered an appointment with the first available doctor. For more information, see GP appointments and bookings.
If you need urgent mental health support, please call 111 and select the mental health option. You can also get help from 111 online and check your mental health symptoms - NHS 111 If necessary you will be booked an appointment at your local Urgent treatment centre (UTC) or advised to attend A and E. You can also call 111 if you need help due to running out of prescription medicine and cant see GP.
If you are in Birmingham you can book an appointment at one of the MIND Talking spaces which are open every evening and at the weekend where you can access crisis support and assessment – please see Talking Space (Inc Crisis Support) - Birmingham Mind
Support for Students
UBHeard is a confidential listening and support service for all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you’re in the UK, access the free UBHeard service by calling the 24/7 confidential helpline on 0800 917 9379 (Freephone UK) to speak to a trained counsellor or visit the Wisdom App, entering the UoB unique code: MHA323213.
Wellbeing Officers are available in each School and are able to provide practical and emotional support for you if you are experiencing personal problems, particularly when these might interfere with your academic work.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Team is staffed by an experienced team of therapeutic practitioners, and will offer you a safe and confidential space in which to explore the difficulties you may be facing and will help you develop effective strategies to overcome them. You don't need a mental health diagnosis in order to access the service. To register with Mental Health and Wellbeing services, complete the registration form ensuring that you have read the information above and understand the eligibility criteria. If you need help with completing this form, please call 0121 414 5130 or email studenthelp@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Student Disability Service is able to provide support for students if they have a condition which meets the definition of disability in the Equality Act 2010. A person is disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to carry out normal daily activities (this includes study-related activities). To access the majority of our services you will need to complete our application form and provide appropriate evidence, so we can ensure that any recommended adjustments are appropriate. Please attach your evidence with your application or email it to us separately.
Pause, delivered in partnership with Forward Thinking Birmingham, is a wellbeing drop-in service for anyone under the age of 25 with a Birmingham GP. They are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-17:00 in The Lodge, North Gate. Feel free to drop-in and speak to a member of the team.
Our self-help guides have been written by clinical psychologists and provide suggestions for simple ways in which you can begin to make positive changes. They contain practical advice and support for a range of issues that may be affecting your sense of wellbeing. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of high quality self-help materials in the treatment of mild to moderate psychological problems.
Download our Student Support Booklet for useful information and guidance on the student support and wellbeing services available at UoB.
A fully accessible version of the Student Support Booklet is also available to download.
External support for Students
You can book an appointment with your GP. If you do not have a GP, you can register with your local GP.
If you are in Birmingham and are under 25 you can call Forward Thinking Birmingham Forward Thinking Birmingham on 0300 300 0099. Students of any age can call Birmingham and Solihull 24/7 crisis number 0800 915 9292
You can find local mental health services in your local area who provide support in your area.
Kooth.com is a free, safe, anonymous way for young people to receive counselling, advice and support online. Staffed by fully trained and qualified counsellors it is available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year. As well as counselling, peer to peer support can also be accessed through moderated message forums and online magazine.
The Samaritans have a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call them on 116 123.
SHOUT offers a free crisis text line service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Text Shout to 85258. All data is anonymised.·
Student Space, run by Student Minds the UK’s student mental health charity, is there to make it easier for you to find the support that you need.