Happy Holidays from your SU!
Whether you celebrate over the holidays, or if this is simply a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of university, we hope that you have a wonderful time, and that you manage to relax before you return in January!
However, in the SU we are also aware that what is marketed as the ‘happiest time of the year’, for some isn’t so. This could be for a number of reasons, perhaps you can’t go home, or maybe you are going home, but that causes you stress. Maybe it’s the weather, or the food, or the crowds. Maybe it's financial worries. Whatever the cause, just know that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
It’s important at this time of year to ensure that you are taking care of yourself, and doing whatever needs to be done to ensure that your mental health is protected.
If you’re in need of some extra support over the festive period, there are many resources and helplines that you can access!
For some advice, or a listening ear for struggles with depression or anxiety, the following services may be of interest:
Samaritans:
Phone: 116 123 (Open 24/7)
Website: Samaritans.org
SHOUT:
Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (Open 24/7)
Website: Giveusashout.org
CALM:
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - Midnight every day)
Website: thecalmzone.net
NHS:
You can now call 111 at any time for a mental health concern, and if you are feeling suicidal, you can present to A&E to receive support.
If you have concerns regarding domestic abuse, the following may be useful:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline:
Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24/7 - All Female Operators)
Website: Nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line:
Phone: 0808 801 0327 (Monday- Friday, 10am-5pm)
Website: mensadviceline.org.uk
If you are estranged from your family, there is support available from the following:
Standalone.org.uk
We also know that this is a hard time of year for those who struggle with eating disorders, and support can be found from the following:
BEAT:
Phone: 0808 801 0677 ( Monday - Friday, 3pm-8pm,)
Website: beateatingdisorders.org.uk
You do not need any official diagnoses to access any of the resources mentioned above!
University Chaplaincy
The University Chaplaincy, situated at the MP Building on Molineux Street, will be open on Christmas Day, 25th December, between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. There will be snacks, edible Christmas treats, games and a quiz, as well as support and a quiet space. Please note that the Chaplaincy cannot accommodate children. You will need to show your University ID upon arrival, as without it you will be turned away.
Please note that there will be no public transport on Christmas Day.
You can also access support from your SU up until the 20th December. For more information about the Advice Centre, please click here.
Have a restful break and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!