Welfare Support

We offer a wide range of services to support your health and wellbeing during your studies. Speak to a member of our Student Support Team to access any advice or discuss any concerns you may be experiencing. We are here to listen, help and support you with both your academic life and wellbeing. There are some services we do not offer on-site, but can assist you in accessing other specialist services that you may need. 

Mental Health & Wellbeing

We all need to look after our mental health, the same as our physical health to enable us to live a happy and healthy life. Some common problem students experience can be; anger, anxiety, avoidance, eating disorders, feeling out of control, hearing voices, insomnia, no motivation, over-thinking, panic attacks, poor concentration, self-esteem concerns, suicidal thoughts.

Some useful self-help resources can be found through Mind and the NHS. Students Against Depression is a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

Student Space is a dedicated website platform for university students with expert information and advice to help you through the challenges of coronavirus. This website is led by Student Minds, which is the UK’s student mental health charity.

This UCP website blog has useful tips to help look after your mental and physical wellbeing. Self-care is really important during a time like this due to Coronavirus and working in isolation. By following these tips will help you stay on track.

If you feel that you are struggling, experiencing any of the above symptoms or would like to access some advice and support then do not be afraid to contact us via support@ucp.ac.uk or 01733 214466. You are not alone, there is support available for you.

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis and think you need to see someone more immediately, visit your local GP or A&E department for support 

Emotional Support 

Need a chat or unsure of your options? Book an appointment via support@ucp.ac.uk with one of the Student Support Team. We can discuss the range of options available to you and advise on any specialist services that you can access. 

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

Whatever your background or faith, our chaplains are here to offer spiritual and pastoral support. Our Chaplaincy offer a free tea and coffee morning in our main atrium every Thursday morning during term time where you can meet for an informal chat or to arrange a one-to-one meeting with them to discuss anything in more detail. They can be contacted on chaplaincy@peterborough.ac.uk outside of this time.

Disability Support & Additional Learning Needs 

If you have any long-term medical conditions, mental health difficulties, physical disability or learning difficulty which impact on your studies, we can offer support and guidance to you throughout your academic time with us.  We will need you to disclose and provide evidence of your disability, learning difficulty or long-term medical condition in order for us to be able to provide you with support.

As a higher education student living in England, you can apply for a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you have a disability or long term health condition that impacts on your study. DSA is paid on top of your other student finance. They help you pay the extra costs you may have because of your disability. They don’t have to be repaid. How much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

For more information on DSA or to discuss your circumstances with us please speak to our Student Support Team. 

External Wellbeing and Crisis Contacts

The following external organisations offer specialist support and advice to help students.

Therapy Support, Referrals and Waiting lists

a) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT)

This service is set up to help those aged 17 and over who are suffering from mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, post traumatic stress, health anxiety, panic, phobia or obsessive compulsive disorder. All of the talking therapies offered as part of our Psychological Wellbeing Service work by helping you understand what is happening to you, help you to work through your difficult feelings and learn new ways of coping in order to improve your wellbeing.

b) Insight Talking Therapies

Our services offer a range of talking therapies, advice, information and support. Talking therapies can help you to understand and work through your difficult feelings and develop strategies for coping better. The best therapy will depend on your particular situation. Insight Healthcare is the largest not-for-profit provider of talking therapies in the UK; our services are free, as they are funded by the NHS. We have therapists with a broad range of specialist skills, allowing us to provide the best support for your particular needs.

c) Shout for Support in a Crisis

Shout is a 24/7 UK crisis text service available for times when people feel they need immediate support. By texting ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’ a Texter will be put in touch with a trained Crisis Volunteer (CV) who will chat to them using trained techniques via text. The service is designed to help individuals to think more clearly and to take their next steps to feeling better. Shout exists to provide support to anyone, anywhere and at any time who may be experiencing a challenging time with their mental health. There are many reasons why people may get in touch with Shout, and our Crisis Volunteers will provide 24/7 support and guidance, no matter what the issue. Shout supports people experiencing any type of personal crisis or mental health concern. It might be that Texters feel anxious or stressed, isolated, lonely or grieving.

d) Anxiety UK

Anxiety UK is a national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected by anxiety through information and support. This includes talking therapies and self-help groups.

e) No Panic

No Panic is a charity which helps people who experience any kind of anxiety disorder. It specialises in self-help based recovery via their helpline and resources available on their website.

f) Triumph over Phobia

Triumph over Phobia is a UK charity which aims to help sufferers of phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and other related anxiety to overcome their fears.

Support for Young People

a) Young Peoples Counselling Service (YPCS)

YPCS is a registered charity providing a free and confidential service that can be accessed by anyone aged between 11 and 16 years old in emotional difficulty. Common problems we encounter include family and relationship difficulties, issues regarding loneliness and anxiety, problems associated with low self esteem and bullying, self harm, abuse, addiction, distress through bereavement or loss, depression and difficulty with decision making.

The YPCS is UCP’s nominated charity for 2020/21, and we have been working in partnership. YPCS has provided UCP with a therapist who has been providing biweekly appointments with students who require a bit of extra support and signposting to external services. Before the COVID lockdown, these were held on campus, but now have been moved to telephone appointments. 

b) Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide (under 35s)

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. We exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

c) NSPCC

Abuse robs children of their childhood. Without help, the scars of abuse can last a lifetime. And as devastating as it can be for the child, society pays a heavy price too. Abuse changes childhood, but so can we. Child abuse is preventable - not inevitable. And it’s up to each of us to do everything possible to keep childhood safe from abuse, so children can grow up healthy and thrive. That’s why we're here and drives what we do. So as long as there’s abuse – we will fight for every childhood. Join us.

Mental Health Crisis, Suicidal Thoughts and Self Harm

a) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day.

b) Samaritans

We're waiting for your call. Call us for free on 116 123. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

c) The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary provides a safe place for individuals experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. It offers practical and emotional support in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. It is open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am. Access to the sanctuary is strictly via the first response service telephone 111 option 2.

  • Phone: 111, option 2
d) Papyrus (under 35s)

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. We exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

Domestic Abuse and Violence

a) NSPCC

Abuse robs children of their childhood. Without help, the scars of abuse can last a lifetime. And as devastating as it can be for the child, society pays a heavy price too. Abuse changes childhood, but so can we. Child abuse is preventable - not inevitable. And it’s up to each of us to do everything possible to keep childhood safe from abuse, so children can grow up healthy and thrive. That’s why we're here and drives what we do. So as long as there’s abuse – we will fight for every childhood. Join us.

b) Peterborough Women’s Aid

Peterborough Women's Aid aims to relieve the distress and trauma experienced by women and their children, if any, who have been affected by their domestic violent situations.

c) Rape Crisis England & Wales

Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) is a feminist organisation that supports the work of Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales. We also raise awareness and understanding of sexual violence and abuse in all its forms.

d) Refuge for Women and Children. Against Domestic Violence

As a woman fleeing domestic abuse, you may want to access specialist refuge accommodation. The Helpline can help you find a refuge vacancy for you and your children; call us for more information.

Community Support

a) Safer Peterborough Partnership

The Safer Peterborough partnership is made up of statutory and voluntary organisations who work together to deliver the partnership priorities. These organisations include: Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS. They work with a wide range of other services across the public and voluntary sector, as well as community groups.

Substance Abuse

a) Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. Alcoholics Anonymous does not engage in the fields of alcoholism research, medical or psychiatric treatment, education, or advocacy in any form, although members may participate in such activities as individuals.

b) CGL Aspire Recovery Service

CGL Aspire can help you to map out your own personal recovery journey to achieve your own personal goals. A duty worker can complete an assessment with you and refer you directly into the next Induction session to start your recovery.

c) DrinkSense FRANK

The Alcohol Services Centre provides support, advice, counselling and therapy for people affected by alcohol misuse. It also has a carers support service, and a family support worker.

Family Dynamics

a) Family Lives

Family Lives is a national family support charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life. They run a confidential helpline which is open to people of all ages. Their website states: If you would like support and advice, you call our confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222. You can contact us about any family issue, big or small. We listen, support and never judge.

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