UB Heard

UBHeard is a confidential listening and support service for all registered students (undergraduate and postgraduate) that gives you immediate emotional and mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Call the service now on 0800 368 5819 (Freephone UK*) or 00353 1 518 0277 (International), or visit the UBHeard portal (you can easily create an account with your UoB email address). You can also Text ‘Hi’ to +44 74 1836 0780 for SMS & WhatsApp Support (standard rates apply) or contact UBHeard via Live Chat.

*some phone providers do charge for freephone numbers so please check with your service provider.

You will be able to speak to a mental health professional and counsellor who will guide you through any issues you may currently be facing – at University or at home. UBHeard offers immediate in-the-moment telephone support, and where appropriate, up to six sessions of counselling for mild-moderate issues. All UBHeard employees are trained to the highest standards as either counsellors or practitioners, and all have received bespoke training from UoB on our services.

The service also offers a portal of resources that you can tailor to your specific needs as well as a live chat function. The service is 100% confidential and free to use as a University of Birmingham Student. Counselling is delivered via telephone or video.

What can UBHeard help me with?

The service can be used to support 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.

See more common FAQs below

What happens if I use the text service?

You will receive a reply to ask for your full name, address and how you are accessing the service. Once this has been received, you will be invited to call the helpline above to have a mental health consultation with the team to discuss how best we might support you.

What personal information is requested?

On contacting UBHeard, the following information will be taken:

Name
Contact details
Student email
Student ID
Date of Birth
Address

This information is taken to confirm a student's identity (and that they are a current registered student) and to support any safeguarding issues whilst on the call.

How is UBHeard reviewed?

Feedback is sought after every interaction with the service and at the end of each support period. Student Wellbeing Services and UBHeard meet on a quarterly basis to review and evaluate the service. During each meeting, we discuss specific feedback that has been received and identify areas for improvement where required. It is important to note that we work daily with UBHeard and have open channels of communication should there ever be issues surrounding the level of service provided.

Do you offer specialised support?

If you are referred for counselling, support is available in a range of languages and you are welcome to request counselling from practitioners who are from a diverse range of backgrounds including; BAME, male and female practitioners and those with additional training in supporting those who identify as LGBTQ+. You can discuss this with the Case Manager directly if you wish to explore these options.

UBHeard is delivered by an external partner Spectrum Life on behalf of Student Services who oversee and monitor the quality of the service provided. UBHeard record all calls for training, monitoring and safeguarding purposes.