Counselling

In Crisis?

The University Counselling Service is not primarily an emergency service.  Counsellors are generally available by making an appointment, which can easily be done by using this link What we do.

However, we know that there are times when things can seem urgent, or you are in a crisis.  If you need to talk to a counsellor the same day, we will make every effort to meet with you briefly or at least phone you – you can ask our administrator, Helen, on (023) 9284 3466 to try and arrange this.

Chaplains are available to talk to in a crisis and can be found in the Nuffield Centre, on the ground floor. You can drop in or call them on (023) 9284 3030. Chaplains are there to support all students, of any faith or none, and provide a warm welcome to help you think through what to do.

If an urgent situation happens outside normal opening hours, you can talk to someone by contacting the Samaritans. .  They provide a 24 hour listening service on (023) 9269 1313. You can also contact your GP (If you are unwell, your GP has 24 hour responsibility for your care) or you might prefer to access NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or NHS Direct .  In the event of a serious medical emergency, for physical or mental health, you should attend the Accident and Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham or dial 999 for the Emergency Services.

The University Security Lodge can be called outside normal opening hours on  (023) 9284 3418).  They can advise you on who the relevant person is to help, and they can also contact the on-call Chaplain for advice.

Mental Health Adviser

If the crisis appears to be a serious mental health/psychiatric problem, the mental health adviser can be contacted on (023) 9284 3049 for consultation or possible urgent assessment and liaison with NHS mental health services. The mental health adviser is based in the counselling service and is available Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, a counsellor with mental health experience can advise.