Your mental wellbeing is key not only to your happiness but also to realising your potential – now and in the future. Mental health is something the whole Manchester community has in common.
In the month of University Mental Health Day, we want to make sure that no student is ever left alone or struggling with their mental health. With that in mind, here’s where you can find help if you’re in crisis, need someone to talk to, or are worried about a friend.
Urgent support
If you need urgent support for yourself or someone else in an emergency, never hesitate to call 999 or visit your nearest A&E. You can also contact University Security on 0161 306 9966, who can provide help and support if you’re on campus.
24/7 support
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis – or know someone else who is – there is immediate help available.
Health Assured is a mental health helpline and wellbeing app that is available in 240 languages, whenever and wherever you need it. Through it, you have access to trained counsellors and advisers who are ready to help and support you. It’s anonymous and judgement-free, and is available 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
Call the confidential helpline on 0800 028 3766 if you need mental or emotional support, or help with managing your relationships, coping with anxiety, money advice or anything else. To download the app, follow the steps on the Student Support site.
If you prefer to talk to someone online, you can use Wellbeing Live Chat. Visit between 11am and 12pm, or 3pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday to speak to a Wellbeing Advisor.
Counselling services
Manchester’s counselling and mental health services are available to all students and could provide you with the longer-term support you need. The team offers a wide range of help, including workshops, group therapy and other wellbeing resources.
To discuss booking an appointment, give the team a call on 0161 275 2864 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can also email the mental health team, who will get back to you during opening hours.
For free online support any time, you can use Togetherall – a safe space and community where users support each other anonymously.
Support if you’re in halls
- If you live in one of our halls of residence and need support, help is available. Your first port of call should be your ResLife team. They offer 24/7 support and will make sure you get all the help and guidance you need if you’re struggling.
- Peer-to-peer support can be a real comfort. The SU Buddy scheme is designed to provide exactly this. You’ll be matched with a buddy for regular catch-ups – and they may end up becoming a life-long friend.
- Greater Manchester Nightline is a confidential listening service run for students by students. Give them a call between 8pm and 8am if you need to talk, or contact them through Nightmail 24 hours a day
Safety and wellbeing
- SafeZone – use it to call for help in areas of Fallowfield and Victoria Park, as well as The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford campuses. The app directly connects you to the appropriate safety and security team or first responder for that area.
- Report and Support website – if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable because of someone else’s actions, make a report and a caseworker will get back to you as soon as they’re available. You can also make a report on behalf of someone else, or if you witness another person experiencing sexual violence, harassment, hate or discrimination. You can choose to speak to an advisor or make an anonymous report.
Our mental health commitment
At Manchester, we’re committed to working together as a whole University to promote an inclusive and supportive community, underpinned by effective and timely mental health and wellbeing support systems. This is part of our new Staff and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which launches today (Monday, 21 March).
Read more about our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and its three key themes of leadership, prevention and early intervention.