Moving away from home, to a new city, or even just starting a new academic adventure is a huge life change for anyone. The concerns and worries that can surface when at university can make the whole exciting transition very overwhelming.

Here are just a few of my wellbeing tips, advice and services available that I’ve found useful whilst at university. For those in crisis or struggling with their mental health, I highly recommend Shout Text line (85258) or Mind Mental health.

I am a volunteer under both and have also previously accessed these services. ‘Shout’ 85258 is the UK’s first free, confidential 24/7 text support service. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support. Just text SHOUT to 85258.

A crisis can range from struggling with your mental health, worried about an upcoming event, bereavements, financial worries, academic worries, anything at all that you need to get off your chest.

Mind Mental Health charity (Dorset Mind) also run a free group session Mondays in Bournemouth from 2-4pm for counselling and wellbeing support.

Bournemouth university has a ‘Student Wellbeing’ team that are operating both remotely and in person. They are contactable via telephone and email from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. They also offer drop ins on campus between 1pm-2pm weekdays. The service is run in partnership with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, remains confidential, free, and open to all BU students who may be experiencing negative emotions.

You can book an appointment via the website: Student Wellbeing | Bournemouth University. The university services include wellbeing advisor appointments, counselling appointments and drop-in sessions.

If your worries and concerns are regarding financial reasons, the AskBU team can support you with financial support. There are various bursary funds you can apply for throughout the year from the Covid-19 Impact Support Fund, the BU Financial Support Fund to Small Emergency Grants.

You can access further information via the website: Financial support | Bournemouth University

There is so much stigma around accessing support, but the amount of support there is on offer suggests that there is a need for it, normalising the concept of those struggling with mental health and those in crisis. If we continue to talk openly about the stresses, we all experience, especially surrounding the stresses of change, moving to a new university, managing the costs of living whilst studying, we start to live in a world that becomes more accepting. The more accepted we feel, the more likely we can receive the necessary help and support. It all starts with a conversation.

Extra support services

• Connections – 0800 652 0190 free confidential- 24/7 helpline
• Samaritans – 116- 123 free confidential- 24/7 helpline
• Calm Zone Helpline – 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight 365 days a year
• Calm Zone Webchat www.calmzone.net/help/webchat -5pm to midnight 365 days a year
• Steps 2 Wellbeing – Steps 2 Wellbeing – How to Refer Yourself – Offer psychological therapies for mental health conditions
• Shout – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258- Free, confidential text line for those in crisis
• Mind Dorset – free group session – Mondays, Bournemouth 2-4pm for counselling and wellbeing support
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141 -weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm
• Bournemouth Mental Health – free retreats and community front rooms in Dorset offering safe spaces to discuss your worries and access peer support – 4.30pm-Midnight Monday to Sunday 18+, no appointment necessary, -Bournemouth: Hahnemann House, BH2 5JW
• Bournemouth Women’s Refuge -01202 547755
• Bournemouth Domestic Violence Outreach Project– 01202 547755
• Poole Domestic Violence Outreach Project and Refuge – 01202 710777
• STARS Dorset – 01202 308840
• Domestic Abuse Helpline for Dorset (You First) – 0800 032 5204