Supporting you through the Easter vacation

The University will be closed over the Easter vacation period between Friday 2 April to Wednesday 7 April inclusive

The Main Library is only closed on Sunday 4 April and Monday 5 April (Library opening times).  Selected study spaces are also available on all days except Sunday 4 April and Monday 5 April (Study Space opening times).

While we are closed there is always support available, wherever you are, and details of our emergency and “out of hours” support is available on the student intranet.

We are also delighted to announce the first details of our brand new support service, from the University of Birmingham, in partnership with Spectrum Life.

Our new Mental Health Support Line is a confidential service that gives you immediate help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You will be able to speak to a mental health professional who will guide you through any issues you may currently be facing – with in-the-moment telephone support.

Our partnership also provides access to phone and online (video) counselling services, up to six sessions of counselling for mild-moderate issues, for students who need this type of support. This is in direct response to student feedback, which has highlighted a need for faster response times and more diversity of experience in supporting students.

This new service is in addition to all of the support we already offer from the Wellbeing Officers in your Schools, mental health support from Student Services practitioners and our partners at Pause. These services will be planning to resume in-person support when we are able to do so.

We’ve got lots more to tell you about this great new partnership after the Easter vacation but we wanted to let you know that this service is available now.

Call the service now on 0800 3685819 (Freephone) or text ‘Hi’ to 0035387 369 0010 for SMS & WhatsApp Support (standard rates apply). The service is 100% confidential and free to use as a University of Birmingham student.

This new service is not just for the vacation period as we recognise that after Easter there will still be continuing challenges affecting all of our daily lives.

The service can be used to support you with issues including:

  • Student work life balance
  • Cyberbullying
  • Anxiety
  • Low Mood
  • Stress
  • Resilience
  • Self-esteem/self confidence
  • Bereavement
  • Social media use
  • Self-care
  • Alcohol & drug use

 

Or any other emotional challenges you might be facing.  

Whatever time it is where you are, if you need support, we are available.

In our Easter update message (posted last week) we confirmed that we would be in contact again as soon as we can following the expected Government review and planning for students to return after Easter. We continue to hope that more students will be able to return to campus after the Easter vacation and we are committed to doing everything possible to make the remainder of the academic year the best it can be under the circumstances.

Please bear with us as we do not know when that announcement will be released and as soon as our staff return on Thursday 8 April we will be working to get more details out to you as soon as possible – and in good time before the semester recommences on 19 April.

In the meantime – have a happy Easter vacation, stay safe and take good care.

Colleges

Professional Services