Support & Referral Options

Aquarius supports young people up to the age of 25 who are affected by alcohol or drug use. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with your own alcohol or drug use, or are affected by someone else’s, Aquarius is available to support you. Support is free and confidential and can range from a quick question to gain more understanding of substances, through to 1:1 appointments, peer groups, and access to their recovery hub if you need further support.

You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Aquarius works at your pace, focusing on your individual needs and strengths.

How to Access Support

You can explore the support services available on the Aquarius website. You can also contact the team at Aquarius directly to ask for advice and find out advice, information, and how to access the right type of support for you.

Aquarius Campus Drop-in at UoB
The University of Birmingham has partnered with Aquarius to offer a monthly on-campus drop-in service. You can attend any scheduled drop-in session and no prebooking is needed. These sessions provide:

• Brief support and advice
• Signposting to services
• Help with referrals
• Information on substances and harm reduction
• Free wellbeing resources

Upcoming dates:

• 19 June 2026 (12:00–14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart
• 17 July 2026 (12:00–14:00) – The Guild of Students
• 21 August 2026 (12:00–14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart
• 18 September 2026 (12:00–14:00) – The Guild of Students
• 16 October 2026 (12:00–14:00) – The Wellbeing Lodge, Greenheart

Change Grow Live (CGL) is a UK charity offering free, confidential support for people experiencing challenges with drug or alcohol use, as well as related mental health or life difficulties.

They provide practical, non-judgemental support to help you reduce harm, make positive changes, and move towards a healthier and more stable life — at your own pace.

How to Access Support

You can find more information about the services available on the CGL website, where you can also complete a self-referral to access support. 

Better Than Well (BTW) is a community of students at the University of Birmingham who are in recovery or seeking recovery from addiction. We support each other in creating and sustaining an abstinence-based lifestyle during university life through:

• Peer support and mutual aid
• Sober social activities
• Recovery-focused groups and meetings

How to access support
You can contact Luke Trainor (l.trainor@bham.ac.uk) or Ed Day (e.j.day@bham.ac.uk) for more information or to get involved.

The Alcohol and You self-help guide provides information and practical strategies to help you understand your alcohol use, reflect on habits, and explore ways to reduce harm or make changes.

How to access support
You can access the guide online here:https://selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk/self-help-guides/alcohol-and-you

Speaking with a GP can be a helpful first step if you are concerned about your alcohol or drug use. They can offer confidential medical advice, support with physical or mental health concerns, and referrals to specialist services where appropriate.

How to access support
You can contact your registered GP practice to book an appointment. If you are not currently registered, you can register with a local practice such as the University Medical Practice, located near campus.

GamCare is the UK's leading charity providing free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harms.

They offer information, advice, and emotional support, as well as counselling and structured treatment programmes for people who want help managing or reducing their gambling. Support is available online, by phone, and in some areas face-to-face.

How to Access Support

GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133, as well as online chat and WhatsApp support. They can also help you access self-help tools, peer support, specialist treatment services, and advice on issues such as debt or financial difficulties linked to gambling.

You can find more information about the support available on the GamCare website and access support directly.

Ygam is a UK charity that provides free education, training, and resources to help people understand the risks associated with gaming and gambling, recognise early warning signs, and reduce potential harms. They also provide practical tools to help with making informed choices and maintaining a healthy balance with gaming and gambling.

How to access support
You can explore resources, guidance, and their service directory directly on the Ygam website. The directory includes organisations that offer specialist support for anyone affected by gaming or gambling harms.

GambleAware provides free information, advice, and tools for anyone concerned about their own gambling or someone else’s. Their website includes guidance on understanding gambling harms, managing gambling habits, reducing risks, and accessing support. They also offer self-help resources and signposting to specialist services across the UK.

How to access support
You can access advice, self-help tools, and the service directory directly through the GambleAware website. This can help you explore your options and find the right support for your needs.

Better Than Well (BTW) is a community of students at the University of Birmingham who are in recovery or seeking recovery from addiction. We support each other in creating and sustaining an abstinence-based lifestyle during university life through:

• Peer support and mutual aid
• Sober social activities
• Recovery-focused groups and meetings

How to access support
You can contact Luke Trainor (l.trainor@bham.ac.uk) or Ed Day (e.j.day@bham.ac.uk) for more information or to get involved.

Speaking with a GP can be a helpful first step if you are concerned about your gambling or gaming, or if it is starting to affect your wellbeing, finances, relationships, or studies. They can offer confidential advice, support with related difficulties such as stress, anxiety, or low mood, and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.

How to access support
You can contact your registered GP practice to book an appointment. If you are not currently registered, you can register with a local GP such as University Medical Practice, located near campus. 

Pivotal Recovery is a free, confidential online programme for students who feel their use of online sexual content is becoming difficult to manage or is starting to affect their wellbeing, studies, or relationships.

The programme is professionally guided and supports people to understand patterns of behaviour, develop healthier coping strategies, and make positive changes at their own pace. It is designed to be flexible and can be accessed alongside study or other commitments.

This course is available through a pilot project offered by the University to support student wellbeing.

How to access support
You can find more information about the programme and how to join via the University’s Pivotal Recovery pages. You can also contact the service directly at student@pivatolrecovery.org to ask questions and find out if it is the right support option for you.

Better Than Well (BTW) is a community of students at the University of Birmingham who are in recovery or seeking recovery from addiction. We support each other in creating and sustaining an abstinence-based lifestyle during university life through:

• Peer support and mutual aid
• Sober social activities
• Recovery-focused groups and meetings

How to access support
You can contact Luke Trainor (l.trainor@bham.ac.uk) or Ed Day (e.j.day@bham.ac.uk) for more information or to get involved.

Speaking with a GP can be a helpful first step if you are concerned about your use of online sexual content or its impact on your wellbeing, relationships, or mental health. They can offer confidential advice, support with related difficulties such as anxiety or low mood, and refer you to specialist services if appropriate.

How to access support
You can contact your registered GP practice to book an appointment. If you are not currently registered, you can register with a local GP such as University Medical Practice, located near campus.

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, or you need urgent support, it is important to seek help straight away. Information about emergency contacts, crisis support, and out-of-hours services is available on the Urgent Support page.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service provides confidential support for students experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties, including stress, anxiety, low mood, relationships, or adjusting to university life. Support is usually short-term and focuses on helping you understand what you are experiencing and develop practical coping strategies. Where appropriate, you may also be signposted to other University or external services for further support.

How to Access Support

You can find more information and how to register for support from this service via the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service support pages.  Here you can also find out information on wider University support services such as UBHeard, as well as online self-help resources and video-based courses covering a range of mental health and wellbeing topics.

The University’s Financial Support pages provide information, guidance, and practical support to help you manage your finances while studying. This includes advice on budgeting, understanding student funding and financial entitlements, and accessing hardship support if you are experiencing financial difficulties. You can also find details about available funding, how to apply for financial support, and where to get further advice if you are unsure what you may be eligible for.

How to Access Support

You can explore available financial support options based on your circumstances, along with guidance on budgeting and managing your finances, through the University Financial Support pages.

The Univeristy of Birmingham’s Student Support Fund (SSF) provides non-repayable financial support to students who are experiencing unavoidable financial hardship and are struggling to meet essential living costs.

The fund is intended for students who have already accessed all other available sources of funding and are still unable to meet basic expenses. Applications are assessed individually, and awards are means-tested.

How to access support
You can find full eligibility information and guidance on how to apply through the Student Support Fund webpage.

Guild Advice offers free, independent, and confidential advice for students on a wide range of issues, including financial concerns. They can provide guidance on budgeting, funding issues, and navigating University processes, and can also help you understand your options if you are experiencing financial difficulties.

How to access support
You can find more information on the service as well as access to their contact form via the Guild Advice website.

Citizens Advice provides free, independent, and confidential advice on money, debt, and financial difficulties. They can help you understand your rights, manage debt, and explore options if you are struggling financially.

How to access support
You can find further information and guidance on the Citizens Advice web pages. Birmingham also has a local Citizens Advice branch, which offers telephone and online advice for people living in the area.

Turn2us is a national charity that helps people access financial support, including grants and other sources of funding. Their tools can help you check what support you may be eligible for if you are experiencing financial hardship.

How to access support
You can use the online grants search tools on the Turn2us website to explore what support may be available to you. 

StepChange is a UK charity offering free debt advice and support. They can help you create a manageable repayment plan, explore debt solutions, and get practical support if you are struggling with debt.

How to access support
You can access free, confidential advice and complete an online debt assessment through the StepChange website.They can also be contacted on 0800 138 1111. Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm

College Wellbeing Officers provide practical and wellbeing-related support to help you manage the impact of any personal circumstances on your studies. They can talk through your situation, help you understand University processes such as extensions or extenuating circumstances, absence procedures, as well as connect you with the most appropriate support services.

How to access support
You can find information about your College Wellbeing Officer and how to contact them via the University Wellbeing Officers webpages. 

The Student Disability Service provides support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and specific learning. They can help arrange reasonable adjustments, access to specialist mentors or study skills support, and advice on screening and assessments. They also support applications for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and help put DSA-funded support in place.

How to access support
To access support, you will be required to register with the Student Disability Service. As part of this process, you will be required to provide a form of evidence. Once registered, the service will contact you to discuss your needs and next steps. If you need support in getting evidence or have any questions about the process, you can contact the team at disability@contacts.bham.ac.uk.