Mental health, the College Counsellor and the University Counselling Service

To whom should I speak first?

Throughout your time at St. Edmund’s, the College is here to make sure that you can fully engage with your studies, despite the challenges you may face. You should speak to your Tutor if you are experiencing challenges that are impacting your work, as they will be able to support you so that your degree is not compromised.

You can also speak to Father Ed, the College Dean of Chapel, who is always happy to help; email him at dean@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk, or call 44 (0)1223 336123 / 07727 669669.

The Student Welfare Advisor, Isaac Wilkinson is also available for advice and support, especially in relation to accessing Cambridge’s wellbeing resources. Please contact by visiting the Welfare Office (at the end of the maisonette buildings) or drop an email to welfare@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk

For help with specific concerns or situations, please see the resources provided in the sections below.

Counselling

The University Counselling Service (UCS)

The University Counselling Service (UCS) is an experienced team of trained counsellors and therapists, who help students with a wide variety of personal and work-related problems.

When accessing counselling, students are able to request a BME counsellor.

Further information, including how to make an appointment, can be found here.

College Drop-In Sessions

Remote Zoom (audio or video) drop-in sessions are available if you have concerns about your emotional wellbeing but do not necessarily wish to access ongoing support. The sessions last around 30 minutes.

Please reach out to the Student Welfare Advisor – Isaac Wilkinson, by emailing the welfare office to book an appointment.

These appointments can be flexible but drop in sessions are normally reserved for Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Please note these sessions are not suitable you are feeling at risk or in crisis. See “Crisis Support” below for safe and immediate help. 

Crisis support

University Mental Health Advisors offer support for students who are experiencing a crisis. Referral is by College staff only. Please speak to your Tutor, the College Nurse, or the College Chaplain.

Call NHS 111 (Option 2) for the NHS First Response Service for 24-hour mental health support.

HOPELINE UK offers support to young people having suicidal thoughts or anyone concerned about a young person they know.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate mental health emergency, please go to the A&E department at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Hills Road, CB2 0QQ).

Mental Wellbeing Resources internal and external to the University

In addition to the University Welfare Hub, which, like the Cambridge Student Union website, has a plethora of resources, the following national and local organizations are available:

  • Student Minds Cambridge has an online guide to finding mental health support in Cambridge.
  • Nightline is a confidential helpline run by students for students. Call 01223 744444 (during full term, 7pm – 7am).
  • Big White Wall: 24/7 access to a safe online community where you can share your thoughts, wherever you are. You can sign up under ‘organisation’ using your Raven email address.
  • Headspace: information and advice to improve mindfulness.
  • The Samaritans give confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call for free on 116 123.
  • Mind is a national mental health information service.
  • NHS self-help advice and resources

LGBTQ+

In addition to University support, the following national and local organisations are available:

  • Galop: National LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity
  • The Kite Trust provides free support for LGBTQ+ people under the age of 25.
  • Cambridge Diamonds are a friendly, informal Transgender support group in Cambridge.
  • MindLine Trans+: a UK helpline offering confidential support to people who identify as Trans, Agender, Gender Fluid and Non-binary.

Eating Disorders

In addition to University support, the following national organisations are available:

You can also contact our College Nurse or your GP for help with eating disorders. More information can be found here. 

Self Harm

In addition to University support, the following national organisations are available:

You can also contact our College Nurse or your GP for help with self harming. More information can be found here.

Alcohol and Drug Misuse

In addition to University support, the following national and local organisations are available:

  • Drinkline is the free, confidential national alcohol helpline: call 0300 123 1110 (open weekdays 9am – 8pm; weekends 11am – 4pm).
  • Drinkaware
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Frank: advice on drug misuse and where to find support groups
  • Camquit is the Cambridgeshire stop-smoking service

Domestic Abuse

In addition to University support, the following national and local organisations are available:

  • Cambridge Women’s Aid: for help with all forms of domestic abuse including physical, emotional, financial, online, etc.
  • Refuge: National Domestic Abuse Helpline
  • Galop: National LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Helpline
  • Domestic Violence UK provides information, support and three helplines (including one specifically for men and one dedicated to LGBT+)
  • Opoka: Free line for Polish Women who experience Domestic Abuse in the UK
  • Karma Nirvana: Support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage

Use the Women’s Aid Directory to find Domestic Abuse help in our area.

Sexual Abuse

  • The University Counselling Service has a specialist advisor in sexual assault and harassment, as well as a self-help guide for students.

In addition to University support, the following national and local organisations are available:

  • Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
  • The Elms SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or abuse in Cambridgeshire.
  • Survivors UK provides support for men who have been raped or sexually abused.

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