Getting more help
Most universities and colleges provide dedicated support systems to students who have emotional difficulties or mental health problems. These include:
University welfare support service
Your University will have a welfare support service available. You may be able to book standalone or regular counselling sessions with trained counsellors to help you discuss your feelings and any issues that are affecting you, such as struggles with your workload, unhealthy lifestyle patterns, anxiety or social isolation.
Peer-to-peer support groups or helplines
Student Minds is a national network of peer-support groups run by students for students, who can provide specific advice on coping with emotional difficulties at university.
Let's Talk About Loss runs meet-ups across the UK for young people aged 18-35, providing a safe space to talk through taboos and grief
If you are ever feeling very distressed, many universities also provide their own volunteer-run helplines. You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Residence mentors
If you are living in halls your university might provide a residence mentor programme to monitor students’ welfare. Even if they only check on you once a week you should feel free to ask them for advice on finding support services.
Bereavement support organisations and grief counsellors
There are lots of bereavement support organisations in the UK that provide free grief counselling and other resources and support for people who are bereaved.
Helplines you can call to get help now
If you are ever feeling very distressed, many colleges also provide their own volunteer-run services. You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Child Bereavement UK – call 0800 028 8840 Monday – Friday, 09:00 until 17:00, or email support@childbereavement.org
Cruse Bereavement Care – call 0808 808 1677 Monday and Friday, 09:30 until 17:00, and Tuesday – Thursday 09:30 until 20:00, or email info@cruse.org.uk
Grief Encounter – call 0808 802 0111 Monday – Friday, 09:00 until 21:00, or email contact@griefencounter.org.uk Winston's Wish – call 08088 020 021 Monday – Friday, 08:00 until 20:00, or email ask@winstonswish.org
More Information About Charities
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK provides support and advocacy for children after a loved one dies and for families who have lost a child. Support services include face-to-face counselling at regional centres, a helpline and advice on supporting a child who is grieving, including how to tell them that a loved one has died or is going to die.
Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
Helpline: 0800 0288840
Winston’s Wish
Winston's Wish helps children and families after the death of a parent, sibling or carer, including advice on how to talk to a child about death, funerals, and grief. It provides specific support for families who have lost someone because of serious illness, suicide or on military service.
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Helpline: 08088 020 021
Grief Encounter
Grief Encounter's mission is to give every child and young person access to the best possible support following the death of someone close. They provide a number of services, including counselling, workshops, courses for schools and universities and professional training modules. They also host a free phoneline: Grieftalk. Grief Encounter’s grieftalk helpline is open 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday. This free service offers support to those who need a confidential space to chat and be heard.
Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk/
Grieftalk Helpline: 0808 802 0111
After the loss of a partner
WAY Widowed and Young
WAY is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender, race and religion. WAY offers an extensive range of support services designed to help you navigate your grief and talk to others who understand your pain.
Email: enquiries@widowedandyoung.org.uk
Website: www.widowedandyoung.org.uk