Urgent Support

In an emergency

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

If you are on campus in Portsmouth when calling 999 please call Campus Security on extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333 to make them aware. Campus security will be able to offer assistance and arrange access for the ambulance crew.

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.

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.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - they provide a helpline between 5pm-midnight via phone, live chat or WhatsApp

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 Template 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

If you're in Portsmouth

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.

If you're in London

The A&E and Urgent Care Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital 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're in Portsmouth

If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999.

If you are on campus in Portsmouth when calling 999 please also call Campus Security who will be able to offer assistance and arrange access for the ambulance crew. Call the Security Lodge through 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 dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew.

If you're in London

If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999. You'll be asked:

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

Life threatening emergencies

If you're in Portsmouth

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.

If you're in London

If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Walthamstow is Whipps Cross Hospital.

The Emergency Department at Whipps Cross 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.