To mark University Mental Health Day (Thursday, 4 March), we’ve put together this round-up of some of the wellbeing support and resources available at the University, at Liverpool Guild of Students, and externally.
Stay safe and remember, if you need help, we’re here for you.
Please remember, if you or a friend is in danger, you will need to call the appropriate emergency service by calling 999. For 24-hour help, please call The Samaritans on their emergency helpline (116 123).
University support and resources
1. Student Support Services
Student Services offer comprehensive advice, support, and information on a wide range of non-academic issues, including counselling, mental health, disability advice and money guidance.
The team are providing support through video (Microsoft Teams or Zoom), phone and email between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Click here for contact details.
2. Self-help hub
The Student Services team have created a menu of self-help resources for a number of different topics including anxiety, depression, stress, imposter syndrome and sleep. The range of resources are designed to give you some ideas on what you can do to stop problems from escalating. Have a look and you may find an answer to your concern. For more information please click here.
3. Improving Student Mental Health through Partnerships Project
The University is committed to improving student mental health and is leading on a project to improve student mental health provision, working in partnership with key organisations in the city. Through the project we have launched a number of new funded initiatives and resources:
- U-CAN stress and anxiety group skills service
A six-week Psycho-Social Education skills group called U-CAN has launched to help students improve their levels of stress, anxiety and support those with a persistent low mood. This group will be led by our team of NHS Mental Health Nurses and Clinical Practitioners who are employed by Mersey Care NHS Trust. See here for more details.
- U-COPE self-harm service
U-COPE therapy is a new self-harm service designed for those who have recently self-harmed, or those who struggle with self-harming currently. This is a psychosocial intervention designed to help you work through your emotions and understand why you self-harm – we won’t judge you, we’re just here to talk to you and help you move forward. See here for more details.
- Mental Health Wellbeing Workshops
This series of workshops have been designed to promote improved knowledge and awareness of a range of mental health issues. Aimed at both those with lived experiences of the conditions covered and at those who wish to gain more of an understanding and insight.
Find a full list of upcoming workshops here. The next session: Suicide Prevention takes place on Wednesday, 10 March 2021, 6-7pm.
4. Fika app
Gain invaluable insights into the science behind our mental health and develop the seven skills of Mental Fitness: focus, confidence, motivation, connection, positivity, meaning and managing stress.
University of Liverpool students now have free access to the Fika App – Just log in using your liverpool.ac.uk email address.
5. Support in halls
For all students in halls of residence, our Wardens and Residential Advisers are on hand to help with any assistance you may require. From being on call over night to provide support, to running check in chats, they are on hand to ensure you are not isolated throughout this period. See here for more details.
6. Chat with a Peer Mentor
The Peer Mentoring programme connects students with a student mentor – for guidance, support or just someone to chat with. Connect with our Peer Mentors on Handshake.
7. SilverCloud Self-Help Modules
The University of Liverpool has partnered with SilverCloud Health to offer a suite of free online self-help modules for any student or member of staff.
8. Coping with COVID Podcast
This podcast, developed by Dr Helen West and Dr Suzi Gage from the Department of Psychology, focuses on practical ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to new and previous episodes here.
9. Wellbeing reading list
The Library have created a full wellbeing reading list that includes everything from Mindfulness and meditation to Personal growth and skills development. All accessible through the University library online.
Liverpool Guild of Students
1. Guild Support
Liverpool Guild of Students work closely with the University to make sure students can access mental health and wellbeing support when they need it. Find out more about support available through the Guild here.
2. Guild Officer’s Corner
Deputy and Vice Presidents, Imogen and Ffion, prioritised improving mental health on their manifestos. Now, they are working together to make these changes. One of their projects are these mental health webpages. In Officer’s Corner, you’ll find blogs of updates, as well as helpful resources to maintain your wellbeing.
Including:
3. Mental Health Awareness Society
The Mental Health Awareness Society aims to raise the awareness of mental health within the University while promoting acceptance and understanding of those who suffer from poor mental health in the larger community. Find out more, including how to get involved, here.
Further support
- Student Space: Expert information and advice to help you through the current challenges are available via Student Space. Alternatively, you can text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258 to start a conversation today.
- Papyrus: Papyrus is a national charity which is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. For PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK call 0800 068 4141 (open 9am – midnight every day of the week).
- NHS Every Mind Matters: NHS Every Mind Matters has excellent resources to support mental health and wellbeing, including specific resources for young people.
- Samaritans: Samaritans is available for anyone who is struggling to cope and who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. There’s a variety of ways to get in touch, and they are on hand to help day or night, 365 days a year.
- Wellbeing Thesis by Student Minds: The Wellbeing Thesis is an online resource for postgraduate research students to support your wellbeing, learning and research.
- Spotify Wellness Playlist: A mix of feel-good music and motivational podcasts to help you start your day, In the morning, the playlist will be filled with motivational and positive content. While at night, content will focus more on relaxation.