We are aware of claims in a recent BBC report about the counselling and support services provided by our affiliate partner, Health Assured. Consequently, we are awaiting further guidance from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) to ensure Health Assured are providing a good standard of clinical practice. We will provide an update when we have more information.
In the meantime, and given the claims are still under investigation, Health Assured information is still accessible to students should they wish to access the service.
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.
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If you need to speak to someone about any worries or concerns, you can use our free 24/7 confidential counselling helpline by calling 0800 028 3766.
Health Assured 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 advice on budgets, physical health or landlord issues. And if English is not your first language, let the counsellor know when you call and they'll be able to help you.
All helpline calls will be answered within 20 seconds, and if an adviser, counsellor or mental health adviser is not available immediately, they will contact you within two hours of your call.
Counselling
You can also arrange face to face, online or telephone counselling through this service, up to six sessions and once you make the call to request counselling, you will be connected to a counsellor within two working days (24 hours) and your scheduled sessions will be offered within three working days of counsellor matching (total of five working days).
If you experience any problems accessing this service, please send this feedback to Studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk
My Healthy Advantage app
Alternatively, you can explore the many resources the My Healthy Advantage app has to offer.
This free app provides you with a range of features to improve your health and wellbeing, including:
- Mini health checks - a great way for you to assess your own wellbeing and receive instant guidance on what changes you can make.
- Four-week plans - whatever your goals, whether it is sleeping better or changing smoking habits, you can see what you need to do to achieve them and track your progress.
- Breathing techniques - useful methods to help you feel more relaxed.
You can also use the app to live chat with trained counsellors and watch videos featuring well-known personalities sharing their personal experiences with mental health including Dame Kelly Holmes, Ruby Wax OBE and Andy Reid MBE.
The My Healthy Advantage app is available on iOS and Android devices, and once downloaded you will need to use the following unique code: MHA191133
Wellbeing Portal
In addition to the helpline and app, there is a virtual library of wellbeing information you can explore online. The articles and self-help guides accessed through the portal provide support on a range of health and advisory issues, including physical and mental health.
To access the Wellbeing Portal please use the login credentials below:
| Username: | wellbeing |
| Password: | LakeMindCard1 |
If you use any of these services, please contact us to feedback about any improvements you would like to see.
If you have any questions or queries about the helpline, app or portal, please contact the Student Wellbeing team. We are here to support you.
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We are aware of claims in a recent BBC report about the counselling and support services provided by our affiliate partner, Health Assured. While Health Assured have fully refuted these claims, we have contacted and are awaiting further guidance from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) to confirm Health Assured are providing a good standard of clinical practice. We will provide an update when we have more information.
In the meantime, and given the claims are still under investigation, Health Assured information is still accessible to students should they wish to access the service.
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.