Help and support for mental and emotional health
Our support services
We all have mental health. Sometimes our mental health is good and at other times it is not so good. At times, you may feel stressed, low, anxious, or feel that life is not worth living, or you may have a diagnosis of a mental health condition.
Wellbeing appointments
Our team of Wellbeing Assessors offer a welcome and friendly space where you will be able to talk about anything that is happening in your life. Our support is designed to be short term and intended to guide you on your next steps. If you need longer term support we can help to signpost you to external health/wellbeing services and partnerships.
Colchester Campus
You can make an appointment which will last for 30 minutes and either be in-person, by telephone or online. Our appointments are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. If you have any difficulties booking an appointment, please email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
We are aware of some issues with loading the booking page on Iphone/Ipads (IOS) - if you are using one of these devices please, if possible, please try another device or email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
If an appointment is not available online, and you feel that you need to speak to someone, please come along to our Wellbeing Area on the 1st floor of the Silberrad Student Centre or email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
Loughton Campus
Wellbeing Appointments are available without a pre-booked appointment in Loughton. These are available at the Student Services Hub in Hatfield House.
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 12.50pm and 1.50pm.
- Thursday between 12:50pm and 1.50pm and 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
If you would like an online or telephone appointment, please make an appointment online.
Southend Campus
You can make an appointment which will last for 30 minutes and either be in-person, by telephone or online. In person appointments are available:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 12pm and 2pm.
- Tuesday and Thursday between 11am and 12pm and 3pm and 4pm.
If you would like an online or telephone appointment, pleasemake an appointment here.
If an appointment is not available online, and you feel that you need to speak to someone, please come along to our Wellbeing Area at the Student Services Hub on the 2nd floor of The Forum or email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
We are aware of some issues with loading the booking page on Iphone/Ipads (IOS) - if you are using one of these devices please, if possible, please try another device or email wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
24-hour support
During evenings and at weekends you can contact the 24-hour Student Wellbeing Support Line (below). If you live in University accommodation, you can contact Security for out-of-hours advice and support. These support services are also available for you at any time you may need support for your wellbeing:
- Student Wellbeing Support Line: Open 24 hours a day, including over weekends and bank holidays. The number is 0800 028 3766.
- Togetherall: A digital, peer support mental health platform where you can share your lived experiences anonymously and learn from the experiences of others. Register to explore the platform and access a range of short courses to help support your mental health.
- Wisdom App: A health and wellbeing space, including instant calling, live chat and video calls with counsellors 24/7, 365 days a year. Download Wisdom on the App Store or on Google Play and use the code MHA307573. For more information, watch this video.
- Colchester Campus: Security (24 hours) – 01206 872125 or 872222 in an emergency
- Southend Campus: University Square reception - 01702 328408 or 07920 821678
- Samaritans
- Student Minds
Emergencies
Find out who to contact in a medical or mental health emergency
Workshops, groups, events and support
Online mental health support
Therapy for you
Therapy for you provides free online CBT-psychoeducational courses delivered by NHS therapists. Treatment is delivered through a series of video sessions that you can complete anywhere at anytime.
Togetherall
Togetherall: A digital, peer support mental health platform where you can share your lived experiences anonymously and learn from the experiences of others. Register to explore the platform and access a range of short courses to help support your mental health.
Wisdom App
Wisdom App: A health and wellbeing space, including instant calling, live chat and video calls with counsellors 24/7, 365 days a year. Download Wisdom on the App Store or on Google Play and use the code MHA307573. For more information, watch this video
Counselling
Our University works in partnership with an organisation called Health Assured to offer short-term counselling to students. Requests for counselling can be made by completing this form.
Mentoring
A mentor can meet with you for regular appointments to offer:
- help to manage your difficulties alongside your studies
- practical and emotional support through listening and problem solving
- assistance with independent learning and development of study skills
- help with liaising with your department to make sure you have the support you need on your course
- practical help in the library and help with organising your study space and study materials
Applying for mentoring
In order to apply for on-going mentoring, you will need to have received a diagnosis of a long-term mental health difficulty and apply for Disabled Students' Allowance as this can fund mentoring support for the duration of your studies. You will also need to provide evidence your diagnosis (ie. a doctor/GP letter when completing the form).
If you would like to discuss mentoring or require any help with the DSA application process, please contact us at include@essex.ac.uk.
Getting active
Being active is great for your physical health and fitness, and evidence has also shown it provides great benefits for your mental health too. Essex Sport offer a wide range of activities for you to try, and the NHS offer tips and advice on how being active can improve your mental health, as part of the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
Disabled Students' Allowance for mental health conditions
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is government funding available to UK home students to help meet the extra costs you may face as a direct result of your disability, specific learning difficulty or long-term medical or mental health condition.
If you have a diagnosed long-term mental health condition you may be eligible for DSA. This can fund extra equipment such as a digital recorder, as well as one-to-one support from a specialist mentor or tutor. You would need to provide evidence of your mental health difficulties (ie. a letter from your doctor/GP confirming your diagnosis and current treatment).
Getting a medical diagnosis
If you require an official medical diagnosis of a mental health difficulty, you will need to make an appointment to see your doctor/GP who can discuss this with you and/or refer you to a specialist service if appropriate.
If you require a formal assessment and diagnosis of a Specific Learning Difference eg. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), you can find out more on our Dyslexia and Specific Learning Differences web page.
External support services
Wellbeing
- Mind
- Samaritans
- SANE
- Health in Mind
- Rethink Mental Illness
- Student Minds
- The Outhouse offers a low-cost service that is open to those in the Essex LGBTQ+ community
Eating disorder, body dysmorphia and self-harm
Drug, alcohol and gambling addiction services
Other useful organisations
- Anxiety UK
- Cruse Bereavement Care
- Hearing Voices Network
- Lifeforce Centre
- Muslim Mental Health
- No Panic
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide)
- Refuge
- Hope (supporting students who have a family member diagnosed with a life-threatening illness)
- The Turner Centre
- Shout
For further help and advice please contact the Student Services Hub.