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Get urgent support

If you need support urgently, you'll find all the important contacts here

In the event that you need support urgently, you'll find all the important contacts here, your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time - you matter. 

If you are having thoughts about ending your life

Many people who have thought about or attempted suicide feel grateful later that they are still here. Your life and wellbeing matter so much, even if it's hard to see that right now. Please seek help.

If you have harmed yourself or you are thinking about doing so now, please follow the emergency advice below. When you speak to someone, make it clear you feel at risk and be fully open about the extent of your thoughts.

 


 

In an emergency

If you or someone else has experienced an incident and/or someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, call 999.

On campus you can call +44 (0)23 9284 3333 for Campus Security who can arrange help.

 


 

Helplines and other support

Talking honestly to someone about how you are feeling can really help. Consider registering for support with the Student Wellbeing Service. You might also find these websites helpful:

  • NHS urgent mental health helplines – Get 24-hour advice and support from a mental health professional.
  • Papyrus – The national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They can provide you with confidential advice and support.
  • SupportLine – Confidential telephone helpline and web pages with support on the issue of suicide.
  • Students Against Depression – Student-focused advice and resources for those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
  • Samaritans – they provide a 24-hour confidential listening service on 116 123. 
  • Shout Crisis messenger service - Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text us from wherever you are in the UK.
  • Contact your local doctor (GP) who has 24-hour responsibility for your care

Create a safety plan

Develop a safety plan for times when you're feeling low. A safety plan can help you make sense of your suicidal thoughts and learn strategies for surviving them. And can keep you safe when you're at risk.

Use this safety plan worksheet from Students Against Depression to develop your safety plan.

Think about making an appointment with the Student Wellbeing Service to discuss how you feel with a member of the team. We can help you think through your safety plan and build strategies for keeping yourself safe.

 

Getting help from the NHS

Health advice - NHS 111

Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for health advice. It's a free service that allows you to speak to NHS staff who can give you health advice or help find which service is best for you.

Illnesses and minor injuries

The Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Hospital, east of the University campus can help with minor illnesses and injuries

They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet. 

Calling an ambulance 

If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call the Security Lodge for an ambulance on extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333. You'll be asked:

  • The location, including the area or room in the building
  • The phone number you're calling from
  • What's happened?

The Security Lodge will call an ambulance and dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew. They will call you back to confirm that the ambulance is on its way.

Life threatening emergencies

If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Portsmouth is Queen Alexandra Hospital ("QA Hospital") in the north of the city.

The Emergency Department at QA Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. 

More advice and support

Concerned about a student?

Make a referral to our Student Wellbeing Service.

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