Information and advice

We have collated a list of useful online resources to help you with any issues you might be experiencing. Should you have any questions, please contact us.

Need someone to talk to ?

Call the Samaritans who provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can call 116 123 (UK) to speak to someone or email.
Wellness in Mind Helpline - telephone 0800 561 0073 between 9am and midnight, 365 days per year

Useful resources

Exam stress

SOS - Stamp Out Stress
We know exams and assessments can be a stressful time, which is why we are running the Stamp Out Stress (SOS) campaign. SOS provides support, advice and activities to help you Stamp Out Stress. To help, there is a programme packed full of useful activities.
Exam anxiety helpsheet
How to cope with exam stress
Exam Stress – a BBC advice page.
How not to cope with exam stress
Dealing with Stress
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Exam Stress Advice

Help with academic issues

The Skills for Success website contains resources supporting all the main elements of academic skill, including academic writing, maths and statistics, information management and using NOW.
You can book an appointment with one of NTU's Learning and Teaching Librarians, Academic Skills Advisers, or a Student Mentor.
Need to develop your presentation skills?
How to cope with the stress of student life
Talk to your tutor or get support in your school's library.
The Academic Appeals procedures describe the ways in which students may make representation about decisions made by Boards of Examiners on their academic performance and progress.
Notification of Extenuating Circumstances (NEC) If your academic performance has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, A Notification of Extenuating Circumstances (NEC) (formerly known as Exceptional circumstances) allows you to inform the University about it.
The Student Advice Centre run by the Student Union provides advice on a range of issues.
Information and advice concerning the issue of Perfectionism .
How you spend your time
Homesickness: The Student Advice Centre can provide support and advice to people experiencing homesickness.
Settling into University and Coping with Homesickness
Poor concentration?
Lacking motivation?

Alcohol and drugs

Synthetic Cannabinoids: information film from Recovery in Nottingham on issues emerging around use of these drugs.
Affected by a parent or carer's drinking? There is no lower or upper age limit to be affected by your parent's drinking and sometimes the problems only become apparent in adulthood. These pages offer information and advice that we hope will help. You are not alone and NACOA, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, is here to help and support you.
The Nottingham Recovery Network are providing drugs and alcohol support and advice drop in session every Tuesday in Newton, Consultation Room 6, from 1 pm to 2 pm. The sessions can be used for help, support and advice on anything related to drug or substance misuse including alcohol. Neil will also meet outside of the drop in sessions if needed. All sessions are confidential and impartial. Please contact Neil Brooks to book an appointment.
Drinks tracker for iPhone
If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can download the free NHS Drinks Tracker from the app store straight from your phone. It allows you to keep a drink diary and get feedback on your drinking.
Alcoholics Anonymous provides support for people who wish to stop drinking.
FRANK provides friendly confidential drugs advice.
BAC-IN is a peer-led service that offers culturally specific support, guidance, and education for the African / Caribbean, South Asian, and dual-heritage communities. The service they provides help to address and treat substance misuse as well as other related psychological and cultural issues.
Narcotics Anonymous provides support for drug users.
Compass is a non-clinical service that provides information and advice specifically relating to minimising harm to clients, carers, and the community resulting from substance misuse, including overdose prevention and reducing drug-related deaths.
Al-Anon provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking. We believe alcoholism affects the whole family, not just the drinker.
Down Your Drink is a self-help site for people concerned about their drinking.
Download a drugs and alcohol helpsheet .
Smokefree provide help to quit smoking.
The Wellbeing Hub provides free, confidential support and advice to people seeking support for mental health, drugs or alcohol use, housing and employment. Contact them on 0800 0285 598 or via email.

Anger management

Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
How to Deal with Anger
Managing Anger helpsheet
Having problems with your temper? A really useful booklet on managing anger produced by the NHS Wellbeing Services in South Glasgow.

Anxiety and stress

Anxiety helpsheet
Exam anxiety helpsheet
Download advice for coping with student stress.
Mindfulness meditations to download and exercises to enhance your mental wellbeing
Banishing Negative Thoughts
Relaxation tips for stress
Breathe in calm, breathe out stress
Relaxation podcasts
Anxiety UK offers advice and support as well as access to therapies for sufferers of all anxiety disorders and phobias.
Anxiety Care is a charity that specialises in helping people to recover from anxiety disorders.
Social Anxiety UK is a support network for those that suffer from social anxiety
Nottingham and Derby Social Anxiety Group – the group aims to organise a variety of events for anyone who suffers socially to make some new friends, improve social skills, gain confidence, and provide a friendly setting. The group is open to people over the age of 18 who have an anxiety disorder, depression disorder, or a mental health problem.
Understanding anxiety and panic
Understanding Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Coping with Anxiety and panic helpsheet
Stress, Anxiety and Depression – an NHS Moodzone web site with lots of helpful information.
Obsessions and Compulsions (OCD) helpsheet .
Feeling Stressed?
Stress Management Group.
Insight Healthcare are offering a stress management course. It is a four-week course, one hour each week. The courses are based at Edgeley House, Tottle Road, Nottingham, NG2 1RT. To enrol either use the online self-referral form, phone 0300 555 5582, or email. Mention that you are interested in the stress management group.

Assertiveness

Bereavement

Cruse provides support and information for those who have been bereaved.
Grief and Bereavement Factsheet
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
The Chaplaincy provides an opportunity for bereaved students to talk with someone experienced in helping people think about death and enabling them to celebrate the life of a loved one at a time when it can be very painful. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who is outside of family or friendship groups, who is able to help you express your feelings in a safe environment. Please email us to arrange a convenient time for us to meet you.

Depression and emotional issues

Students Against Depression is a site that has been developed in consultation with students who have been affected by depression, low mood, or suicidal thoughts
A Brief Guide To Anti-depressants
Depression helpsheet
Food and Mood (Beating Depression)
Mind Guide to Understanding Depression
Muted: an organisation helping men with depression
Beating the Blues
Exercise, wellbeing and depression
Moodjuice This site is designed to help you think about emotional problems and work towards solving them. Emotional problems are often the mind and body’s way of saying that something needs to be changed in our life.

Domestic violence, sexual abuse, forced marriage

Equation is a charity that promotes equal, healthy relationships free from domestic abuse. Equation exists to prevent and reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire.
Visit the Victim Support website.
Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children every year. Go to Juno for a Nottingham-based service
Men's Advice Line: confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence. Call freephone 0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Survivors UK offers support for men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and or adult assault or rape.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales).
Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services formerly Nottingham Rape Crisis. We support survivors of sexual violence no matter when or how it happened. Counselling Helpline: 0115 941 044 Email: dutysupervisor@nottssvss.org.uk
Topaz Centre is committed to providing a sensitive and dedicated service to those 18+ that meets the needs of victims of rape and serious sexual assault within Nottinghamshire through the partnership between the health service, police, and voluntary sector. You do not have to report to the police to access this service.
East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service offers support for children and young people under 18.
The Survivors Trust has details of over 135 specialist rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse support organisations.
S.H.E.UK supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse, offering drop-in sessions in Nottingham.
The NSPCC has information and support specifically for adults who were abused in childhood.
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) provides support and information for adults abused in childhood.
Karma Nirvana supports victims and survivors of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Respect Not Fear is an organisation that provides help and support for people who may be in abusive relationships.
Galop, the leading LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity. We give advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Phone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
S.H.E.UK supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse, offering drop-in sessions in Nottingham.
Integrated Services for the Nottingham-based service.
Survivors UK offers support for male childhood sexual abuse and rape.
Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse
The Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) has established and operates a national helpline aimed at Muslim women and girls who are suffering, or are at risk of, abuse, or are facing other problems. The helpline is available to all and can be reached on 0800 999 5786
Safer Living Foundation is a charity that works with people who are distressed by their sexual thoughts and if acted upon, worried that their thoughts could result in harm. If you are struggling with your sexual thoughts and would like support you can self-refer by telephone at 0115 848 4707, email or go through the SLF website.

Please also consider contacting the Police. If you are in danger, call 999.

Eating issues

Anorexia and Bulimia Care offers a professional, personal and caring service, from a team of staff with experience in eating disorders, providing encouragement, advice, and support for all involved (sufferers and family members) to help make full recovery possible.
Beat is a UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families. There are separate confidential helplines – one for adults, and one for young people under 25. Under-25s can also text or chat online to a member of the youth team. They currently run an Emotional Overeating Support Group in Nottingham on the first Wednesday of every month at Room 2, The International Centre, 61b Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FN. It is held at 6.30 pm, and aims to support individuals (aged 18+) who suffer from emotional overeating.
Overeaters Anonymous provides self-help for anyone suffering from compulsive eating, including overeating, bulimia, anorexia, or obsession with food and weight. They use the 12-step spiritual programme of recovery first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. View more information on finding a local meeting.
Eating Disorders - Signs and Symptoms
Eating Disorders in Students Service (EDISS) offers confidential support and advice to students at Nottingham Trent University. Drop-in sessions are held during term-time on Tuesdays 9am - 1pm in The Global Lounge at the City Campus for students to discuss and pick up information on managing an eating disorder whilst at university. No booking is required.

The service is accessible to students, staff and alumni for up to 3 years after graduating on all campuses. If you wish to book an appointment to discuss our one-to-one peer support, counselling, online email befriending or group support, please email info@firststepsed.co.uk or visit our online self-referral form.

Students can also access support at the University of Nottingham, University Park Campus. Drop-in sessions at this university are held during term time on Wednesdays 9am - 5pm in the Meeting Room at Cripps Health Centre. If you are based at Nottingham Trent University and are interested in accessing the EDISS, please contact us via email or via phone on 01332 367571.

Alternatively, please come along to the drop-in clinic mentioned above.

Gambling

Gamcare offers information and online support, with a helpline, forum and chat room for people suffering because of a gambling problem.

Mental health

Mental health difficulties: A Guide to the Equality Act (EA)
Mental Health Apps – an NHS page full of apps. Many are free.
100 Happy Days – an app to help you improve your mood.
The Wellbeing Hub provides free, confidential support and advice to people seeking support for mental health, drugs or alcohol use, housing and employment. Contact them on 0800 0285 598 or via email.
Wellness in Mind provides information, advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing. The service will help people understand mental health issues, and connect people to the services which may best support them. Call their information and advice helpline: 0800 561 0073 This number is open seven days a week from 9am until midnight.
STEPS (Support Towards Empowering People Service) Up to one in four people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives and it’s vital that the right services are in place to support them. Language and other cultural barriers can make it a real challenge to find the right support, which is where STEPS comes in. It’s a free service, aimed specifically at Nottingham’s local black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
The Nottingham Recovery College – all of the courses provided at the college are designed to contribute towards wellbeing and recovery. People who share experiences of mental health or physical health challenges teach on the courses with the intention of inspiring hope and embodying principles of recovery. Courses can include help with anger, anxiety and depression and more.
MIND is the leading mental health charity for England and Wales.
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity.
Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.
Self Help Guides produced by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
Chinese Mental Health Association serves Chinese people who suffer from mental health-related issues and problems.

We have written the following downloadable guides to help you with specific mental health difficulties.

You can also find out about:

If you would like to discuss your support needs, or make an appointment, please telephone 0115 8482085 or email us.

Local NHS Services (including Counselling and CBT)

Let's Talk Wellbeing (Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) provides help for people with anxiety, depression, and other similar difficulties. You may use their services if you are registered with a doctor in Nottingham city or Nottinghamshire. They also accept self-referrals. For further information about their services, please telephone: 0115 956 0888.
Insight Healthcare (Nottingham City) provides help for people with anxiety, depression and other similar difficulties. You may use their services if you are registered with a doctor in Nottingham City. For further information please telephone: 0300 555 5582.
Trent PTS is an approved NHS provider of psychological therapies. They are commissioned by the NHS to provide free, flexible, responsive and accessible high-quality psychological therapy service, so there is no cost to you. They provide treatment for depression, anxiety, loss, grief, trauma, relationship problems, and many other conditions. Self-refer via the Trent PTS website.
Nottingham Urgent Care Centre offers a walk-in service and is open from 7 am to 9pm, 365 days a year, including weekends and bank holidays. Seaton House, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 4LA. Telephone: 0115 883 8500.
GP+ Nottingham City is a new service where patients registered at practices in Nottingham city can access routine appointments during evenings and weekends. The service is based on Upper Parliament Street in the city centre. Opening hours will be Mon - Fri 4 pm to 8pm and Sat / Sun - 9 am to 1 pm and you can book an appointment through your normal GP reception.
If you are away from Nottingham and need NHS counselling or CBT you can find out where to get help via this page

The University Health Centre pages also provide information about support services provided by NTU.

Pregnancy

If you discover that you are pregnant whilst at University there will be lots for you to think about. This page outlines the financial considerations and the impact on student finance entitlement for full-time UK home undergraduate students.
Crossway – post abortion support. Helpline 020 8892 8483.
Talk it Over – pregnancy options and loss support. A confidential service. Tel: 07867 47058, or email talkitover@hotmail.co.uk
CareConfidential Online offers unbiased pregnancy and abortion counselling.
Family Planning Association
ARC provides non-directive support and information to parents before, during, and after prenatal testing.

Relationships and sexual health

NTU Pride Nottingham Trent University's Pride Society, a LGBT+ group supporting, representing and welcoming people of many differing sexual orientations and identities
Nottingham Women's Centre aims to offer a safe environment for all women to come together to gain confidence, develop skills, take part in training, get support and organise groups, activities and services
Relate provides help with relationship issues, and includes useful and informative self-help fact sheets.
Stonewall works for acceptance without exception for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provides information and support for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and trans people.
Terrence Higgins Trust is a charity at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDs.
The National AIDS Trust provides useful information regarding AIDS and HIV.
Relationships helpsheet
The Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) has established and operates a national helpline aimed at Muslim women and girls who are suffering, or are at risk of, abuse, or are facing other problems. The helpline is available to all and can be reached on 0800 999 5786 or 0303 999 5786.

Self-esteem

Self-harm and suicidal feelings

Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can call 116 123 (UK) to speak to someone or email.
National Self-Harm Network supports those who self-harm and provides information, contacts and workshops on matters relating to this issue.
Harmless provide information support and counselling for individuals that self-harm with thoughts of suicide.
Worried about suicidal feelings? MIND provides information about how to cope with suicidal feelings.
PAPYRUS is the UK national charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Understanding Self-harm
Suicide (warning signs)
A suicide prevention app, Stay Alive, is now available to download to your phone. Visit prevent-suicide – the Apple App Store and Google Play download links are on the front page.

Sleep

Trouble Sleeping? A really useful booklet on sleep problems produced by the NHS Wellbeing Services in South Glasgow
How to Improve Your Sleep – a BBC Guide.
National Sleep Foundation is an American organisation with useful information.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep helpsheet
Problem sleeping?

Transgender

Gendered Intelligence – understanding gender diversity in creative ways.
Press for Change – the UK's leading experts in transgender law.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society – information for trans people, their families, and the professionals who care for them.
Transgender helpline : The MindLine Trans+ provides a safe place to talk about your feelings confidentially. They don’t record calls nor ask for any personal details. Their listeners will try understand the multitude of feelings and concerns that may be going on for you. They have volunteers with lived experience of Trans+ or are Allies responding to your calls as often as possible and are open 2 evenings a week Mondays and Fridays from 8 pm to midnight. Call 0300 330 5468

Other issues

Needing to widen your social circle? Nottingham Inter Varsity Club is a friendly, informal club offering a wide variety of social, cultural, and sporting activities.
Want to meet new people? Joining societies is a great way to meet new people with similar interests, and also gives you an excellent excuse to try something brand new. There are over 100 societies currently affiliated to Nottingham Trent Students’ Union with new affiliations coming in all the time, so there's something for everyone.
Want to make friends in Nottingham? Meetup is a great way of meeting people who share your interests
Need information about help available in Nottingham? The Nottinghamshire Help Yourself site is a partnership between health, the voluntary sector and Nottinghamshire County Council to bring information and advice together in one central place – so people can find the information they need easily.
Relationships helpsheet
Are you a single parent? Gingerbread provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents
The Families Information Service provides free information, advice and guidance about organisations and services for children, young people and their families living in Nottingham City. This includes details of all Ofsted registered childcare providers, children's centres, family support, education including special educational needs and other specialist services.
Concerned about child abuse? The NSPCC are the leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. They help children who've been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk, and find the best ways of preventing abuse from ever happening.
Cyberbullying – the Cybersmile Foundation is a multi-award-winning cyberbullying charity committed to tackling all forms of online bullying and hate campaigns.
Man Therapy – an Australian site taking a funny but serious look at issues concerning men.
Muslim Youth Helpline provides support to Muslim youth.
Banishing Negative Thoughts
Harassment and or bullying concerns? Dignity and Respect Contacts are available to both staff and students at NTU. They are members of staff from across the University who have been given specialist training in providing support, information and an impartial listening service to both staff and students who feel they may be experiencing harassment and / or bullying, and also to people responding to harassment and / or bullying complaints.
To make an appointment to talk to one of the Dignity and Respect Contacts, or to obtain further information, please get in touch by email or telephone +44 (0)115 848 6529.
Bullying – Past and Present
The Student Room is a place to get advice, laugh, chat, and debate with other students.
The Mix –The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline.
Local Self Help Support Groups for a wide variety of issues can be contacted by telephone on 0115 911 1662.
The Carers Federation is dedicated to supporting unpaid carers of all ages and the people they look after.
Hope is a UK charity that provides support for young people aged 11-25 who have a family member diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Hope is unique in that it provides support from diagnosis and for however long they need.
You can call them on: 01989 566317 or email: help@hopesupportservices.org.uk

External counselling agencies

These organisations often provide free or reduced cost counselling for students.

Base 51 – counselling for people up to the age of 25. Address: 29-31 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AR
Hours: 9:30am–7:30pm
Phone: 0115 952 5040
Counselling Xtra can be contacted by telephone on 0115 960 5577.
Nottingham Counselling Service – telephone: 0115 950 1743.
Nottingham Women's Centre Nottingham Women’s Centre is committed to supporting the wellbeing of women across Nottinghamshire, including mental health and wellbeing. Our counselling service offers professional, low-cost one-to-one and group counselling to women over the age of 18. If you would like to refer yourself for counselling please complete our online form and choose an available appointment time for your assessment meeting, alternatively call our reception on 0115 9411475, or come on into the centre and someone from our team will be able to book an appointment for you.
ISAS – Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors is a registered charity that provides face-to-face, telephone and group counselling services for adult male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, their partners and family members. These services are available throughout the county of Nottinghamshire. The charity can be contacted by telephone on 0115 8240314
Harmless provides information support and counselling for individuals that self-harm with thoughts of suicide.
Kooth.com is a free face to face counselling service available to young people aged from 10 to 24 who live in Nottingham city. Face Counselling can be accessed by registering at Kooth.com and then make a self-referral. Kooth also offer Online support which is given by trained counsellors
CASY provides a confidential counselling service to young people aged from 6 to 25 within Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. call 01636 704 620 or email office@casy.org.uk
Finding a counsellor in your home area