Accessing mental health support
Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or struggling to cope, support is available right now. If you’re unsure where to start, use this page to find the right level of support for your situation.
Immediate and urgent mental health support
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs urgent mental health help, please seek help right away. You are not alone – there are people ready to listen and help you stay safe.
- Call 999 for emergency services.
- Go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department if you feel unsafe or unable to cope.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123, the emergency hotline is available 24/7 for confidential emotional support.
- NHS 111: Call 111 and select ‘mental health’ for 24/7 urgent but non-life-threatening support.
- Papyrus: Call 0800 068 4141 to access 24/7 support if you feel at-risk or are having thoughts of suicide.
- Shout 85258: Text ‘SHOUT’ for free, confidential 24/7 text-based support.
- Nightline: Peer-led listening support service available from 6 pm – 8 am via online chat or phone.
- MIND: Call 0300 102 1234 from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, to reach their support line
- Tell a member of staff if you feel unsafe or in need of support. They will connect you to the Wellbeing Coordinator onsite and ensure you have access to the right support.
- You can also directly contact the Student Support team at wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk during office hours for immediate guidance and further support.
If things are starting to feel difficult, reaching out early can really help.
Community and local specialist services
If you’re not in crisis but need professional support, you can access free, confidential help through trusted UK mental health providers. These services are available alongside your studies.
- NHS Talking Therapies: Free NHS support for common mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Self-refer online or ask your GP to refer you.
- Mind: Local mental health services offering free or low-cost counselling, groups and wellbeing programmes.
- Rethink Mental Illness: Specialist support for people living with severe mental illness, including counselling and recovery services.
- Student Minds: The UK’s student mental health charity providing peer support, workshops and signposting.
- Kooth: Free online platform offering one-to-one chats with qualified counsellors, plus self-help tools.
The Wellbeing and Disability Support team can help you find the right external service for your needs and make any referrals required.
Emotional wellbeing self-help resources
If you’d like to take small steps to manage your wellbeing or build your resilience, explore our self-help tools and workshops. These resources can help you develop coping skills, manage stress, and maintain your mental fitness.
Explore:
- Wellbeing toolkits: Practical digital guides on student mental health, mindfulness, stress management, and more on Student Minds.
- Events: Connect with other students through engaging sports, cultural and wellbeing activities.
- Workshops: Weekly group sessions on confidence, emotional wellbeing, and positive thinking. See upcoming student support workshops.
Building resilience is about balance and learning to look after your mind as much as your studies.
Need more help?
Book an appointment with the Wellbeing and Disability Support team for advice and support.
