Wellbeing Support and Counselling
Who are we and how can we help you?
Our friendly Wellbeing team are on hand to support your mental health and wellbeing needs and to help you reach your potential here at UCSD. Support is offered both in-person and remotely.
The team offers regular support to help you adjust to and manage student life, stay positive and motivated, encourage you to continue your studies, and manage the unexpected.
In summary, the team are on hand to support you with the following:
- Emotional/Pastoral Support
- Wellbeing needs
- Signposting you to external agencies
- Helping you through a HE Study and Wellbeing Review
- Counselling
- Wellbeing Coaching
Request support or get in touch for a conversation about how we can best support you.
Get in touch
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01803 540547
Get support from Student Space when UCSD is closed
Student Space is a student wellbeing platform
Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life: studentspace.org.uk.
Free, confidential support with a trained advisor is available via phone, email, text and webchat:
- Phone 0808 1895 260 between 3pm and 12am everyday
- Email [email protected]
- Text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258 (available 24/7)
- Start a webchat at studentspace.org.uk from 4pm to 11pm everyday
MEET THE TEAM
Sandy Akerman
Student Wellbeing Senior Co-ordinator
Kelly Swaby
Wellbeing Coach
Erica Mansfield
Wellbeing Counsellor
OUR SERVICES
If you would like some support from the Wellbeing Team, you can either self-refer or ask your tutor to refer you. Likewise, your tutor may contact us if they have a concern about your welfare.
Once a referral is made, our Student Wellbeing Senior Co-ordinator or another member of the team will arrange an initial chat between you and them. This will help determine the best type of support that will benefit your well-being and studies, e.g., discussion with your GP, coaching, counselling, disability support, HE Study Support etc.
Our Student Wellbeing Senior Co-ordinator is also responsible for conducting HE Study and Wellbeing Review, Pregnancy Risk Assessments and supporting tutors with Wellbeing Review meetings.
Counselling Service
Counselling may be offered if you are experiencing or struggling with issues that impact your ability to focus on your studies. Referrals to our dedicated Higher Education Counsellor are made via the Student Wellbeing Senior Co-ordinator.
The counsellor will meet and talk with you and, if you both agree that it will be helpful for you to engage in some sessions, they will meet with you to work on techniques and strategies which may help you to be able to focus on your academic and university life. The counsellor uses an integrative approach, ensuring that you work together to find out what works best for you.
If your needs are more complex and require a specialist or long-term approach, the Wellbeing team or Higher Education Counsellor can direct you towards more appropriate services in the community, including the NHS.
Wellbeing Coaching Services
Wellbeing coaching is a method of coaching that focuses on the wellbeing of an individual. A Wellbeing coach can work with individuals and groups in a client-centred process to support their health and wellbeing.
The coaching process empowers individuals to draw on internal strengths, develop self-knowledge, and embrace strategies for making lifestyle changes necessary for optimal health.
Here at UCSD, Wellbeing Coaching can support you through skilful conversation and provide strategies designed to empower you to improve your health and wellbeing, which will help you with your studies and beyond.
Higher Education Therapy Garden
Our Higher Education Therapy Garden opened in 2019, and is a place where you can escape to for some peace and relaxation.
YOUR WELLBEING MATTERS
A guide to support your wellbeing during your time at UCSD and beyond.
Self-Help
There are a number of external organisations that provide dedicated information, support and self-help resources for mental health and wellbeing.
You will find an A-Z of self-help resources on our Wellbeing self-help page.
Speak Up
Find out more about the steps you can take to bring incidents of misconduct that have taken place in the College community to our attention.
South Devon College and University Centre South Devon are proud to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive community – our staff, students and anyone interacting with us should feel comfortable being who they are.
Get in touch
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01803 540547
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