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Wellbeing Support and Counselling

Whilst we are closed for the Christmas break (from 17th December – 5th January 2021), if you need to access crisis and wellbeing support the following services are available.

You can also access information and online resources on our Wellbeing Self-Help page.

Mental Health

  • Student Space – trusted, accessible support if you feel like you’re struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Support available via phone, email, text and webchat. Visit studentspace.org.uk for full details.  
  • Shout Text Crisis Support offers free, confidential, anonymous text support service for anxiety, depression, loneliness and more. Text SHOUT to 85258.
  • Samaritans offers a free, safe and confidential place to talk and explore your feelings if you feel you’re struggling to cope. Call Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected].  
  • The Moorings offers face-to-face out-of-hours mental health support in Torquay. Open Sunday-Friday 6pm-midnight and Saturday 12pm-midnight, including bank holidays. Phone 07483 991 848 or visit their website: mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon 
  • Cruse Bereavement Care – phone 0808 808 1677 or speak to an adviser via webchat on their website: cruse.org.uk/ 

Housing

Domestic Abuse

  • Torbay Domestic Abuse Service – phone 01803 698869 or visit their website for more information. 
  • SPLITZ Devon – phone 0345 155 1074 or visit splitz.org/devon.html 

Food Bank

  • PATH Torbay is open daily and provides a food bank, evening hot food from 6.30pm and supplies. Phone 07763 398238 or visit 172 Union Street, Torquay.  
  • Brixham Food Bank is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. Find them in The Torbay Room at the back of Brixham Town Hall, behind the library (TQ5 8TA). 

Finances

If you are struggling financially during this time, please contact your local job centre. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.  

Get support from Student Space during COVID-19

Student Space is a student wellbeing platform developed to make it easier for university students to find the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic.

However you’re feeling, help and guidance is available. 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
Complete a support request

Our friendly Wellbeing team are on hand to support your mental health and wellbeing needs, and help you reach your potential here at UCSD.

The team offers regular support to help you adjust to and manage student life, stay positive and motivated, encourage you to continue with your studies, and manage the unexpected.

In summary, the team are on hand to support you with the following: 

  • Emotional / Pastoral Support  
  • Signposting you to external agencies 
  • Supporting you through a ‘Fitness to Study’

Request support or get in touch for a conversation about how we can best support you.

Counselling Service

Counselling may be offered if you are experiencing or struggling with issues which impact on your ability to focus on your studies. Referrals to our dedicated Higher Education Counsellor are made via the Support and Wellbeing team.

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, 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 Support and Wellbeing team or Higher Education Counsellor can direct you towards more appropriate services in the community, including the NHS.

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.

Self-Help

There are a number of external organisations that provide dedicated information, support and self-help resources for mental health and wellbeing.

Our Wellbeing self-help page shares details of self-help support, covering areas including:

  • Bereavement and Loss
  • Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction Support
  • Anxiety
  • Confidence and Self-Esteem
  • Depression and Low Mood
  • Suicidal Feelings
  • Eating Disorders
  • Self Harm
  • Sleep
  • Sexual Health