With the Christmas break approaching, we know that the winter holidays can be difficult for some students and that this may affect your mental health and wellbeing.
While the on-campus Student Wellbeing Service will be closed during the Christmas Closure period, there are a range of mental health and wellbeing resources which you can access during this time - helping you to take care of yourself.
24/7 wellbeing service Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life is our free telephone and online mental health and wellbeing support service, available 24/7. It is a confidential service, so you can express yourself freely and openly.
What’s available?
- Trained professionals available for you to talk to 24/7, in more than 35 languages
- Counselling, conversations and texts with mental health professionals
- A wide range of self-guided courses to do at your own pace
- Monthly live webinars on current topics
- Live yoga, HIIT classes and more
- Student discount codes
You can access Spectrum Life directly by phone or register to the platform.
Freephone UK: 0800 031 8227 and click here to join for free.
Contact details for emergency assistance
There may be times when you need to speak to someone urgently. Depending on your situation, consider contacting:
- Your registered GP or Find your local GP
- NHS Direct If you think you need medical help right now, 111 online can tell you what to do next. Call 111 or visit NHS Direct website
- Attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department to be seen by the Psychiatric Liaison Team who can assess your needs and offer further support.
- Police, ambulance or fire brigade on 999. You should only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Telephone helplines and other sources of help
Dedicated support helplines, many are open 24/7, and cover any number of issues that can affect you. We list here some of the main helplines that can offer you support or direct you to the help you need.
NHS Mental Health Crisis Service
24-hour, urgent mental health support, advice and guidance.
- Avery Hill and Greenwich Campus: 0800 330 8590
- Medway Campus: 0300 222 0123
Student Space
For expert information tailored to students from Student Minds, check out the Christmas resources on the Student Space website,. Student Minds also provides telephone, email, webchat and text support.
The Samaritans
Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
- Tel: 116 123
- Email:
- Web: Samaritans website
Mind and Young Minds
There is useful information about Christmas and coping with mental health difficulties from the charity, Mind.
Young Minds also have advice for young people about looking after their mental health over Christmas.
Supportline
Supportline offers confidential support for children, young adults and adults and is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse.
- Tel: 01708 765 200
- Email: info@supportline.org.uk
- Web: Supportline
Rees Foundation
The charity Rees Foundation works to ensure that people leaving care have support networks in place, and are not left alone to tackle life’s challenges, and run some ‘Let’s Connect’ projects, connecting people with other members of the care experienced community.
National Domestic Violence Helpline (Refuge)
Refuge is a freephone, confidential, 24 hour National domestic violence helpline is for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
- Tel: 0808 2000 247
- Chat (Monday – Friday, 3pm – 10pm): visit the website
- Web: Refuge
Greenwich Students' Union – Advice and events
The GSU Advice Service will be closed over the winter break in line with the GSU closure. Check their webpages for details. During this time, they will not be responding to student enquiries.
Greenwich Students’ Union are hosting several festive activities that are open to all students who want to join in. You can find more information about their events here.
Private / Temporary Housing Information
We have created a guide which provides you with information regarding your private housing options.
The information contains links and options for either temporary or permanent accommodation outside of University of Greenwich Halls of Residence.
If you require any further assistance or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact a member of staff in the Accommodation Services.
