Mental Health

Support services and helplines for when you're struggling with your mental health, including support for eating disorders and bereavement

What support is available on campus if I'm struggling with my mental health?

The University has a free counselling service on campus. You can visit the Counselling webpage for information about their service, how to contact them, and for some great self-help resources. 

 

Keele students can also access the Health Assured Student Assistance Programme (SAP). This service offers students access to support via a 24 hour confidential helpline, the Wisdom app, and online portal too. The services include mental health support from trained counsellors and advisors who are ready to listen and provide help on issues including emotional and physical health, mental health, counselling, relationships, managing stress and anxiety, money issues, and legal information. More information about Health Assured is on the Keele website.

 

You can also talk to your GP to discuss support, which could include accessing NHS mental health services or trying medication.

Are there any organisations I can call?

Samaritans

Talk to them anytime you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. 

 

PAPYRUS - Prevention of young suicide

Provides confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person

Tel: 0800 068 41 41

 

Shout

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. By texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 you will start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, who will text you back and forth, sharing only what you feel comfortable with.

 

Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline

Weekdays 7pm - 2am Weekends 2pm-2am by phone 08088 002234 and by email staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk

 

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Wellbeing Service 

Free & confidential talking therapy, you can call 0300 303 0923 or fill in an online form.

 

SANEline

A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness. Open every day of the year from 4pm to 10pm on 0300 304 7000.

 

Anxiety UK

Their ‘TAUK to us’ service gives support and information for anyone living with anxiety.

 

Self-Injury Support

You can call or text their helpline on Mondays and Thursdays. Their website also has self-help resources.

 

Muslim Youth Helpline

Offers faith and culturally sensitive, confidential support 7 days a week, 365 days a year including bank holidays and Eid. You can speak with them by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or email.

 

Beat - Beating Eating Disorders

Providing helplines, support & a network of UK self-help groups to help people in the UK beat their eating disorders. Tel: 0845 634 1414.

 

The Dove Service

After someone dies, you may experience natural feelings of numbness, sadness, anger or feeling unable to cope.  It is also common to have difficulties with eating, sleeping, poor concentration, headaches and other physical symptoms. If you have suffered from a bereavement and feel the need to talk to someone about how you feel, Dove is a local organisation based in Hanley that can help. You can go to their website for more information and contact details.

 

Staffordshire Sexual Health Charity

Offers free counselling sessions for people who are LGBTQ+. You can self-refer and appointments are available in-person or virtually. Their waiting list is usually under two months.

 

MindLine Trans+

Specific mental health helpline for trans+, A gender, gender fluid and non-binary /people wanting to talk about their gender identity for the whole of the UK.

 

We have an LGBTQ+ page with links to more specialist organisations.

Are there any resources I can read?

Mental Health Foundation - Committed to reducing the suffering caused by mental ill health and to help everyone lead mentally healthier lives

 

Sane - Working to raise mental health awareness, combat the stigma and increase understanding

 

NHS Every Mind Matters - Expert advice and practical tips on how to deal with anxiety

 

BBC Headroom - Providing information on emotional health, mental health disorders, coping techniques, therapy and understanding prescription drugs

 

Student Minds, the UK's student mental health charity, offers resources and support through your time at university on their site Student Space, including tailored support for students who might face additional challenges.

 

Students Against Depression - Offering advice, information, guidance & resources to those affected by low mood, depression & suicidal thinking

 

Stamp Out Suicide - For positive steps forward in suicide prevention

 

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy - You can find therapists all over the UK.

 

NHS depression self-assessment - There are many symptoms of depression, including low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, lethargy and sleep problems. This test will help you to assess whether you could be suffering from depression. 

 

NHS Free Mind Plan - Answer 5 simple questions to get your personalised mental health action plan with tips and advice to help you be kind to your mind.

 

Managing stress - For information about how to reduce and manage stress have a look at the Mental Health Foundations booklet - Manage and Reduce Stress.

What can I do if I'm too unwell to study?

If you're struggling with an assignment, you can submit an Exceptional Circumstances claim to ask for an extension or further assessment attempt. Make sure you submit a claim before a written assignment is due, or by the deadline your School has set for exam periods. More information is on our Exceptional Circumstances page.

 

If your illness is more long-term you may want to consider taking a Leave of Absence, either for a few weeks or until the next academic year. You can read about the Leave of Absence process on the University's webpage.

Where can I find advice to help me cope with exam stress?

The University's Exam Plus has tips to help you stay calm and healthy and runs activities during the exam period.