Specialist welfare support outside college
Mental health problems can be overwhelming and isolating and can affect every aspect of your life. Being aware of your own needs and reaching out when you need to can be vital. Oxford has a lot of resources for mental health, both in and out of college. See Student Welfare – College Support for welfare contacts in college.
If you are looking for access to counselling or therapy
The Counselling Service
The University of Oxford’s Counselling Service is a free and confidential service providing support to all students who may be experiencing personal, emotional, social, and academic problems. It is not an emergency service so if you require instant access to mental health support, please look at the alternative support systems available on this page and on the In a Medical Emergency page.
Contact: During term (Weeks 0-9) reception is open from 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, with pre-arranged appointments available until 20:00 Monday to Thursday. During vacation periods (Weeks 10 to -1) the Service operates between 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Email counselling@admin.ox.ac.uk for an appointment. A series of workshops, blogs and podcasts are also available through the University of Oxford’s Counselling Service.
NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies
NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies is a free, confidential NHS service available to anyone over the age of 18, registered with a GP in Oxfordshire. Aimed at people experiencing common conditions including stress, anxiety and depression.
Contact: You can self-refer using the TalkingSpace Plus self-referral form or ask your GP for a referral. You can also telephone 01865 901 222 to self-refer and book an appointment. Monday 8:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00 to 20:00 or Friday 8:00 to 17:00
If you feel lonely, anxious or in distress and want to speak to someone
GP: 19 Beaumont street surgery
Contact: 01865 240501(telephone lines open 8:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday) If you can, tell the receptionist you are calling about a mental health problem and that you would like to speak to the duty doctor.
NHS Mental Health Helpline
Open 24/7, 7 days a week for people in Oxfordshire who need mental health care when their situation is not life-threatening.
Contact: Call 111 and find out more on the Oxford NHS website.
Oxford Nightline
Nightline is an anonymous, confidential listening and information service run by students for students. The Get Home Safe service can be used if you are feeling unsafe or nervous when walking home at night; someone will stay on the phone with you until you are home safely.
Contact: Website: https://oxford.nightline.ac.uk/(web chat same time as helpline) Telephone: 01865 270 270 (daily during term time 0th to 9th week inclusive, 20:00 to 8:00)
Samaritans
Independent listening service – always available 24/7.
Contact: Call 116 123, write them an email or a letter and use their self-help app – full details on the Samaritans website.
If you feel unsafe or suicidal
Mental health crisis team number — You may have been given a number you can contact if you have been referred to a Mental Health Team.
Safe Haven
Oxford Safe Haven offers short-term additional support out-of-hours for people in Oxfordshire, who are experiencing a mental health crisis including suicidal thoughts. It is an alternative to hospital emergency departments for people experiencing a crisis with their mental health.
Contact: Call 01865 903 037, open 7 days a week, 18:00 to 22:00 offering face-to-face and phone crisis support. Safe Haven is located at the Manzil Resource Building, Entrance 2, Manzil Way, Oxford, OX4 1XE and you can email oxonsafehaven@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
NHS Mental Health Helpline
Open 24/7, 7 days a week for people in Oxfordshire who need mental health care when their situation is not life-threatening.
Contact: Call 111 and find out more on the Oxford NHS website.
Other Specialist Health and Mental Health Support Services
Togetherall
The Counselling Service has teamed up with Togetherall (an NHS-approved service) to provide mental health support 24/7 to students, wherever you are in the world. Togetherall provides space to connect with other students through online forums, advice and structured self-learning courses. If you are a registered user, you can also talk online to a mental health professional using the ‘message a wall guide’ feature.
Contact: This service is available all year round to all students for free, 24/7, 365 days. To join, register under ‘I’m from a university or college’ with your Oxford email address.
Student Space
Resources for students, including a student support helpline, online chat, text message and email.
Contact: Call 0808 808 4994 (open 15:00 to 11:00 every day), text STUDENT to 85258 24-hours a day and find other contact details on the Student Space website
MIND including Talking Space Plus
Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide
LGBT+ Helpline https://switchboard.lgbt/
Mental Health UK BAME mental health services
Substance Misuse:
