Counsellors will not tell you what to do, but can help you think about your difficulties from a different perspective . We can also provide support and advice if you are worried about friends, colleagues or family members.
To self-refer please click here.
Counselling
Talking to a trained counsellor can be a very effective way of managing and understanding difficult feelings and situations. You can approach Counselling to talk about anything you feel worried or anxious about. You might not know why you feel unhappy (that's ok to talk about here too!) but often people come to talk about things such as anxiety,depression,bereavement, problems with friends or family members, study problems, exam stress, feeling lonely or isolated, issues around food, sex, drugs or alcohol, self-harm and/or suicidal feelings.
Please note: our counselling service is restricted to UH students which does not include online students or associated colleges.
For college students, please contact your college wellbeing lead and you can use our Health Assured helpline.
For Online students, please do make use of Health Assured Service, our affiliated student assistance counselling servive, where you can access the free 24hour helpine and a counselling assessment for potentially up to 6 sessions of counselling.
Single-Session Therapy
We also offer single-session therapy sessions. A single-session appointment is a one-time appointment that allows you to meet with a counsellor in a confidential setting for a focused therapy session. The single session is usually followed up with another appointment, rounding off the support from the first.
It is designed for students who would like to discuss an issue that does not require ongoing support. Single-session appointments are designed for solution-focused, non-urgent concerns. They are not designed for crises or ongoing support.
In order for us to see all Final Year students in Semester B and C, who are approaching the end of their studies and want to be seen quicker, we provide this support.
Online / Self Help Resources
If you are not sure you want or need to speak with a counsellor straightaway, we have a large range of Self Help Resources dealing with common issues such as anxiety, depression, procrastination, bereavement and self-harm.
Free 24/7 Helpline via PAM Health
Alongside our inhouse wellbeing team we also have a Student Assistance Programme called PAM Wellness, where you can access in-the-moment confidential support or guidance. Just call 0808 196 3533 - it's free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PAM Wellness counsellors are there to listen to you whatever your problem, whether it is personal or student-related.
You can also contact the helpline if you require any financial, legal or medical information, such as budgets, physical health and landlord issue. And if English is not your first languaage, let the counsellor know when you call and they'll be able to help you.
If you would like to access alternative support services outside of Student Wellbeing please visit the Mind webpage for guidelines, helplines, and services https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/.
Our commitment to supporting our students remains unchanged; the support services are still available to students and our referral system to Student Wellbeing remains open for those in need.
Mental Health Advice
Our mental health advice team can help you get supoprt and adjustments for study, develop practical skills to manage a mental health difficulty and liase with the NHS or other university services , or access additional support services as necessary.