It’s okay to not be okay and to struggle with everything that is going on at the moment. There are a lot of charities out there that are here to help you if you need them. You may have not considered this before, but talking through what you’re feeling with someone else could make all the difference.
Have a look through our list of charities and organisations below, give them a call - speak to them if you’re going through mental health issues or just need someone to listen.
We’ve also created a UCL COVID-19 Community Group on facebook, if you wanted to stay in touch with fellow students.The group is here for you to share tips, find study partners, ask questions, post opportunities and be there for each other as we all try and navigate this new way of life.
Advice Service, Students' Union UCL
Students have access to full support from our service and we will be offering advice via email, telephone and video/voice chat on Microsoft teams.
To contact our advisors, please use our contact form or email us on su.advice@ucl.ac.uk
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing
UCL's team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, in which you can discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study. Find out more here.
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK is a Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 17:30)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Bipolar UK
A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 17:00 to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Men's Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 18:00)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10:00 - 22:00). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
OCD Action
Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 17:00). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk
OCD UK
A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.
Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00)
Website: www.ocduk.org
Papyrus
Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 22:00, and 14:00 to 22:00 on weekends and bank holidays)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 16:00)
Website: www.rethink.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 16:30 to 22:30)
Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum
Website: www.sane.org.uk/support
UCL 24/7 phone and online counselling
UCL works in partnership with Care First to provide you with telephone and online counselling support. Care First counsellors, who are all professionally qualified and accredited by the BACP, are currently available 24/7 during the outbreak.
For free telephone counselling through Care First, call +44 (0)800 197 4510
Care First also offers support through a one-to-one online messaging service, in which you will speak to a counsellor in real time.
YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 16:00)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk