Mental health and wellbeing resources for all occasions
Many thanks to Zarah Vernham in the Department of Psychology for pulling together the most comprehensive list of support services we have been able to promote to date.
Need urgent support?
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope or anyone who is in crisis. This is a great service for those who don’t want to speak on the phone or see someone in person. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
University Wellbeing
Urgent support is available to all students between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Call (023) 9284 3466. Click this link for a full overview of services on offer.
The Samaritans
A 24-hour non-judgemental, listening service that is available whenever you need to be heard. Call 023 9269 1313. There are also less urgent services available online.
Less urgent support services
Student Wellbeing Service
The largest part of the Student Wellbeing Service is dedicated to providing you with confidential support and information before you reach a crisis. Follow this link for information about all the services on offer over video, email and phone.
You can email wellbeing-admin@port.ac.uk or register for support online.
University Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy also offers confidential support to all those who need it. Ordinarily, you could just walk into the Chaplaincy but during lockdown you can still email chaplains@port.ac.uk or call them on (023) 9284 3030.
Wellbeing apps
Download the WhatsUp App
The WhatsUp App provides daily tools to promote positive mental health and connections. This app offers a quick and anonymous way to chat via text with practitioners at the Student Wellbeing Service.
Download the FIKA app
FIKA (https://www.fika.community/): A mental health and fitness app that is available for free to all students and staff.
Sign up for Silvercloud
Silvercloud is a digital platform that uses cognitive behaviour therapy for common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. It also covers other mental health issues associated with stress, perinatal wellbeing, bipolar disorder, covid-19, body image, and OCD.
Other general sources of advice and support
NHS self-help guides – covering everything from abuse to different types of mental health disorders to bereavement.
Student Minds – a mental health charity providing resources specifically for students.
iTalk – Online self-paced learning in mood management and self-care.
Talking Change – The local NHS counselling and talking therapy service.
ReThink Mental Illness – Information about mental illness and links to local support services.
MIND – guides to daily living, mental health, and support.
Solent Recovery College – delivering a range of educational courses and short sessions designed to help individuals manage their mental health.
The MIX – Advice on all aspects of wellbeing and life’s challenges, from money and homelessness, including a helpline, crisis messenger, and webchat for anyone up to 25 years of age.
Specialised services
You can contact and use most or all of these services online or by telephone without having to involve your GP.
PARCS (Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Crisis Service) – a telephone listening service and specialist counselling for anyone who has suffered from sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault.
Eating disorders service – the local NHS service for anyone with eating disorders, whether you are binge eating, suffering from uncontrolled weight gain or loss.
OCD Action – Support for anyone suffering with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or related anxiety conditions.
Relate – Relationship, sex, and family counselling.
Bereavement centre – free emotional, practical and social support for bereaved people and their families, including telephone, email and video support.
OK Rehab – guidance and support for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems
Rehab 4 Addiction – signposting for the most effective drug, alcohol and substance misuse and dependency interventions, treatments, aftercare and outpatient counselling.
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