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University Mental Health Day

12 March marks University Mental Health Day. Thinking about mental health is important every day of the year. However, we invite you to think about the specifics about your experience of being a University student and the specific support that the University can offer.

University Mental Health Day takes place every March to get the nation talking about student wellbeing and working together to make mental health a university-wide priority. No matter who you are, you can take part. This year, the theme identified by Student Minds is human connection. To recognise the day, try reaching out to someone in your life in a way that works for you. Or – if you’re unsure – below are University resources that are available to you. If you are unsure about any of your options (or just fancy a chat), come to the Student Centre on Thursday 12 March 12-2 to speak to a member of the Student Wellbeing Team and a Residential Life Connector.

My Sussex 

My Sussex is your online support portal. You can get advice about anything from careers to accommodation to welfare support – all available in one easy to use place. 

You’ll also: 

• have access to resources 24/7 
• be able to access support services and book onto events. 

Find out more about My Sussex. 

Residential Life 

The Residential Life team are here to improve your university experience on campus: find out what we offer in this Instagram video from Residential Life. Our team can support your wellbeing while living in the residences by helping you to manage communal living issues, access appropriate support services and by offering a programme of social events to help you meet new people who also live on campus. You can contact Residential Life through My Sussex. 

How to request therapeutic support

To request therapeutic support, you’ll need to complete a Therapeutic Services form, so our team can assess and refer you for the most appropriate support.

All our psychotherapists, counsellors and practitioners are trained in issues relevant for university students.

If you want to request support from a therapist with a specific identity such as gender, you can tell us at your assessment session and we will try to accommodate your wishes. We will also consider any accessibility needs for inclusive facilities.

Disability Advice

If you feel that you have a long-term health condition, physical, or mental health difficulty, please contact the Disability Advice team directly or complete their Tell Us More form to let them know about your ongoing needs.

Togetherall

Togetherall uses the positive effects of healthy social networks in its community where people share with, and support one another anonymously.

It provides a proven way to get better together through peer to peer, anonymous conversation.

The service is moderated 24/7 by trained practitioners who keep members safe, and facilitate the process of people helping people in clinically managed online spaces.

The self-guided group and individual courses cover mental wellbeing and lifestyle topics. Togetherall also has a library of useful articles and resources, including helpful tests and features to track progress.

If you’re in crisis

If you have reached crisis point and feel at risk of self-harm or of harm to others, call 999, visit A&E or call the Mental Health Rapid Response service (MHRRS) on 03003 040078.

You can also contact the Sussex Mental Healthline on 111, Staying well in Brighton or the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service (NHS) if you’re experiencing mental heath challenges or emotional difficulties.

Other sources of support include:

• Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans at Dubarry House, Newtown Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6AE or call 01273 772277 (local phone rates) or freephone 11612324
• MindOut – a local mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people with experience of mental health issues
• Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s getting to you
• SANE is a UK mental health charity who run a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers
• Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK
• Hopeline UK is a confidential support and advice service for under-35s who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide
• Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem
• mental wellbeing Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health
• Qwell - free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK.