Life-threatening emergency

If someone's life is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999.

If you are on campus, call 999 and then call Security Services on +44(0)117 331 1223.

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:

• withdrawing from friends and social situations
• changes in attendance at lectures, tutorials or club and society meetings
• being tearful
• being moody and irritable
• changes in food habits
• concerning behaviour.

How you can help

It's important to understand that making things OK 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 about five ways you could start a conversation, or read some tips on how to reach out.

Help them get support

We have put together a list of useful sources of support and advice, which might be a helpful place to start.

Or they can request wellbeing support from one of our advisers, who will be able to talk them through the next steps and connect them to the right support or 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, complete the Request Wellbeing Support form. We can help them get the right support.

This form is open for anyone to use – you might be the student's parent, relative, friend, flatmate or neighbour, for example.

It may not be possible to discuss specific details due to confidentiality. However, our services will do their best to help support you and the person you are concerned about. They may ask you to speak to the person you are worried about, or to agree that a wellbeing adviser can share your name with that person so they know why an adviser is calling.

Look after yourself too

If someone you know or care about is going through a difficult time, it can take its toll on you too. Do not 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 are feeling. Find out what support is available.