Get more help
You are not alone! There are many sources of support from websites, the NHS and your University
Mainstream websites
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Student Counselling
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[note the extra fullstop]
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A good place to start for info and help. Run by all the University Counselling Services nationally
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Student Depression
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Award-winning site for depression with testimonies, examples and links to support
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The NHS
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For urgent help and a place to visit if you are feeling suicidal. See more about the NHS on page 56
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Mind – the national mental health charity
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Full range of articles from a range of perspectives, especially people who have been mentally ill
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Royal College of Psychiatrists
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National body for psychiatrists in the UK. Research and academic content, but also some great leaflets for the public
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Christian websites
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Association of Christian Counsellors
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Find a Christian Counsellor near you. How to train in counselling
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Anorexia and Bulimia Care
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National Christian charity for eating disorders
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Premier Lifeline
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Anonymous confidential phone and email support for Christian advice and prayer
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The NHS
The NHS is the best state healthcare system in the world and the envy of many other nations. It is free to all who live in the UK, or who have a Visa [eg, if you are an overseas student], But it is a big beast – so here are some things to help you understand it.
Primary Care
This is what happens in your local health centre – many universities will have one they work closely with. There will be a number of GPs [General Practitioners, who are doctors] and a range of other health care workers like nurses, midwives, health visitors and maybe a counsellor.
- Everyone in the UK can be and should be registered with a GP. If you are a student away from home, you can have two GPs – one with your family and one at university
Secondary Care
This is mainly what happens at the hospital and includes things like A&E, investigative services like X-Ray and Labs for blood tests and also a long list of other specialities like orthopaedics, paediatrics, neurology, gastroenterology, etc, etc… Your GP will know who to refer you to for each problem and how long this will take. You will not always see a doctor – many specialities use senior nurses or other professions as your point of contact.
Emergency or Routine
For you, everything is urgent, but there are clear guidelines about what counts as an emergency and what means you have to wait. You may want your gammy knee fixed before the next rugby season, but this probably not a priority for the nation. There is a government target for all referrals to be seen within 18 weeks, so even routine cases should not take too long. You can look at www.nice.org.uk to see the hundred or so guidelines the NHS follows.
Private Healthcare
You may have access to this through your family [for example your parents’ place of work], or you may chose if you have the money to pay for each visit. This is usually done at small private hospitals away from the main NHS sites; however it is typically the same doctors - who do their private work in the evenings or at weekend.
- You should always approach your GP to make a referral for private healthcare and never find someone in a phone book. Your GP may charge for this, but it is worth it – if you are going to pay you may as well see the best person locally.
Tips for students
Don’t put off getting help just because you are at University. You can ask for an appointment during term times and you WILL get to the top of the waiting list before you leave Uni! You will be far busier after Uni and that is not the time to address health concerns. Sometimes there are special services for students such as a sexual health clinic or mental health team – ask your GP.
Your Own University
Your place of study has an interest in getting you to the end of your degree course and with a good grade. They have given you a valuable place, they want to give you a degree and they want you to go and tell others how great the experience there was. This means that they are investing in services to help you and support you – even if you think they only care about their research, alumni or income from fees! Here are some things you should find in most Universities.
Often staffed by several very experienced counsellors, they can be a one-stop-shop for most emotional difficulties. They have seen most things before, have good handouts on common problems on their website and are usually situated in a discreet corner of the campus where you can pop in unnoticed.
They can liaise with your academic tutors on your behalf and get you help if needed from local GPs and Mental Health Services. They can offer appointments quickly during term time. They may even offer support by email. They know all the local options in town, in the voluntary sector and who’s in the know when stuff needs to get sorted. Drop in.
Student Services
The big wide world has social services. Universities have Student Services. These people will help you with finances, hardship grants, benefits, accommodation, academic difficulties and more. Many of the staff will be experts in disability – what help you can get and what rights and responsibilities you have.
There is a legal framework behind what they do called SENDA [Special Education, Needs and Disabilities Act, 2001] which requires a University to meet the needs of the students who attend. This does mean you have to declare the need in order for them to meet it. ‘Needs ‘include mental illness and autistic spectrum disorders as well as physical disability. Tell them and you might get a nice surprise!
Study Centre
Some students are academic machines and exam maestros. Others haven’t written an essay in years, or have never learnt how to write one in the first place. Does maths muddle you? Does grammar garble you? If your basic study skills are letting you down, they can help with courses, groups, revision aids and peer group support.
Having marked hundreds of exam scripts, I can tell you that a coherent, structured and legible answer will get you a long way and set off your few facts to their best advantage. Most examiners can’t be bothered to look for good content in poor clothing. |