[Trigger warning] World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
Every year on the 10th of September, organisations and communities around the world come together to raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people under 35 in the UK, making it more important than ever to talk openly about mental health and wellbeing.
It’s a chance to break down the stigma around mental health, start honest conversations, and show that simply listening and treating people with respect can make a huge difference.
The impact of suicide is devastating. As we head into a new academic year, we want to encourage you to look after yourselves and look out for each other. Suicide is preventable, and it's important that anyone who is struggling knows they don't have to face things alone and that support is available.
If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, talking to a professional can help clear your mind and help you make sense of your thoughts. Below are some of the services available at UoB, and charities that you can reach out to for immediate help. Our full range of mental health and wellbeing support can be found on our Time to Talk? page on the student intranet.
TalkingSpace@UoB
TalkingSpace@UoB is a face-to-face emotional support drop-in service delivered in partnership with mental health service Birmingham Mind. Available to all UoB students, it offers a safe, welcoming and confidential space where you can talk openly to a team of trained and experienced Intervention Workers.
Whether you need urgent mental health support or are struggling with low mood and other worries, the team are available in The Wellbeing Lodge (Pritchatts Road No 1) and other locations across Birmingham – no appointment or a referral is needed.
View opening times and more information on TalkingSpace@UoB
UBHeard
UBHeard is a 24-hour, 7 days a week student support service that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support, whatever you’re going through. Available to all UoB students, it offers you a safe place for you to talk at any time you like by calling 0800 917 9379 (Freephone UK*).
You can also contact a dedicated wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls via the Wisdom Wellbeing app – ideal for students not in the UK.
Learn more about UBHeard and how to download the Wisdom App and online portal
During Welcome Week, you can pick up a physical copy of our Student Support guide which has information on all the health and wellbeing support available for students. The guide is also available to view and download on the Time to Talk? Page (a fully accessible version can be found on this page too).
Urgent support
In an emergency, whether for yourself or others, always call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency (A&E).
You can call the NHS 111 number for urgent mental support.
Call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) free helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use its webchat from 5pm to midnight every day.
You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to speak to someone confidentially.