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
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
HopelineUK
HopelineUK is a confidential helpline for young people dealing with suicide, depression and emotional distress.
Tel 0800 068 4141
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07786 209697
Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays: 2pm-5pm
NHS 111
Free expert health advice and information 24 hours.
Tel: 111
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 inforation 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 two 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.
Papyrus – prevention of young suicide
Papyrus is an organisation which works to prevent young suicide. It offers support for you,
support for friends and support for parents.