Our Wellbeing Services - some Mythbusting...

As part of the ‘Making it Happen’ campaign, your suggestions have been the driving force behind the change and investment to our mental health and wellbeing services. Through ‘Time to Talk?’ we have been sharing what’s changed and how we’re #HereForYou, whenever you need help and support.

You may have some concerns or questions relating to our services and that is understandable. In this email, we take a look and address those barriers so you can get the help and support you need.

What were you concerned about:

Across various surveys and focus groups, you highlighted some recurring concerns regarding accessing mental health services.

Some of the more common concerns were:

• Wait times
• Confidentiality
• Service hours
• Services being limited to academic concerns
• Worries being ‘too small’ or ‘not serious enough’ 

Whether it’s not knowing which services are right for you, or if you find reaching out for help difficult, you can always find clarity by visiting our Wellbeing section on the student intranet. For some of those more common concerns, we will be providing some clarity below.

Q&A with our Student Mentors

Student mentors Poppy and Millie run through the common myths and truths about accessing our Wellbeing services. Watch video. 

Wait times:

During the pandemic, waiting times for face-to-face appointments may have increased. However, the good news is that all the teams are now back on campus, and online, with increased capacity. You may find it useful to check out some of our other services first - having a chat with someone through UBHeard, dropping in to a student mentor, or visiting the Chaplaincy, a place for those of faith and none for a quiet space, reflection or to play the piano. These might provide the help that you need without having to wait for available appointments.

Confidentiality:

Everything that you talk to us about is treated in the strictest confidence. We only share what you need us to in cases where you might require certain measures to be taken, or if you may be a danger to yourself or others. You can trust that anything you might need to talk about will not affect your academic record or be discussed with anyone else other than where necessary.

Accessibility:

There were some concerns that you can only talk to someone during typical working hours, which is difficult if you have a lot of contact hours. A number of our services operate out of hours, and you can find these services on the student intranet. There are also various ways that you can get in touch with most of the wellbeing services, so they are more accessible than ever.

Services are only for academic issues:

Our ‘World of Wellbeing' brings together a wide range of services that can provide support, advice and guidance on a huge number of issues outside of your studies such as anxiety, bereavement, addiction, low mood, or trauma. You can also find a range of self-help resources on a variety of topics such as managing stress and eating well.

Issues being ‘too small’:

If something is worrying you, there is no such thing as an issue being ‘too small’. We all have so many things in our lives that can be causes of stress or concern, but no matter what those are, ignoring them won’t make them go away. Our wide range of services means that we can offer you the opportunity to simply talk to someone, with no pressure to take that conversation any further. You can simply get things off your chest if you need to. But if you do need a little extra help, we can guide you to the right service for you.  

Learn more about our services

How others have benefitted from accessing our mental health and wellbeing services:

“Using the Mental Health and Wellbeing service has really been transformational to me. Having such a short waitlist before my first session, has just allowed me to take control and ownership of my mental health. It really has allowed me to thrive.”

“I've never talked to anyone about my feelings, so it's quite nice to be able to talk to someone.”

You can also help us to keep student feedback at the front and centre of our service provision. We are here to listen to you and to bring you the services that you want to see.  

Tell us what you think

Whatever the problem, no matter what time of day or night, 24/7, 365, we will be here for you if it's 'Time to Talk'.

Part of the Making it Happen Campaign - Read more