Sometimes, people feel low or out of control to the point that they consider self-harm or suicide. The most important thing to do in this situation is to talk to someone.
This can help you to see things differently and decide not to act, or to access help to keep safe.
If you are a UAL student and need immediate support, please call 020 7514 6251.
You can also call one of the chaplains on 07872 816157 or 07843 329587.
If it is out of office hours, you can contact one of the helplines or organisations listed below. If you are feeling depressed we also strongly advise that you make an appointment to see your GP (doctor) as soon as possible.
If you don’t have a doctor you can telephone NHS 111 (available 24 hours a day).
Support available outside of office hours
The organisations listed below offer confidential, non-judgemental support for anyone who needs to talk at any time.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a telephone, email and visitor service for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Tel: 116 123 (24-hour confidential listening service – call them for an immediate response) or email
jo@samaritans.org (emails will be replied to within 24 hours)
Samaritans Central London Branch – Visitor Service
Address: 46 Marshall Street, London W1F BF (Visitors are welcome from 9am to 9pm daily)
Tel: 020 7734 2800
Nightline
Nightline can help if you find yourself worrying about things at night and you would like to talk to another student confidentially. This is available every night of term 6pm – 8am.
Tel: 0207 630101
HopelineUK
HopelineUK is a confidential helpline for young people dealing with suicide, depression and emotional distress.
HopelineUK – 0800 068 41 41
or text 07786209697
a confidential support and advice service for:
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- Young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide
- Anyone concerned a young person may be having thoughts of suicide.
10am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends, and 2pm-5pm Bank Holidays.
A HOPELineUK advisor will hear about the things that are happening in your life that are contributing to your thoughts of suicide and provide advice about how you can cope with your thoughts of suicide, or where you can access help. You can also speak to our HOPELineUK advisors to get advice about how to start a conversation about suicide with someone you are concerned about, and how to best support them.
Further information: www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/about-hopelineuk
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM is a website and helpline aimed at preventing male suicide.
Tel: 0800 585 858
Saneline
Saneline provides practical information, crisis care, and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.
Tel: 0845 767 8000
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer Mental Health Service
Tel: 01273 234 839
Email: info@mindout.org.uk
Web: https://www.mindout.org.uk
MindOut is open for online chat evenings and weekends
Further information: www.mindout.org.uk/get-support/suicide-prevention/
Urgent medical attention
If you need urgent medical attention, you can take the options listed below.
Urgent appointments can be booked at your Doctor’s surgery during office hours.
You can also visit an NHS Walk-in Centre or in an emergency, an Accident and Emergency department at a hospital.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a telephone service offering free expert health advice and information 24 hours a day. Tel: 111
Online resources
It can be useful to look at online resources, particularly to understand how other people have coped or are coping with suicidal feelings. Details of some useful websites are given below.
Students Against Depression
Students Against Depression includes blogs from students fighting depression and has information for helping those who are feeling desperate right now or who are worried about someone.
‘The ZGBTST aims to bring more awareness to the community of Northern Ireland surrounding the topic of Mental Health and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide.’
Further information: zacharygeddisbreakthesilencetrust.org