Health and wellbeing guide for parents, supporters and friends

The transition to university can present several challenges for students adjusting to independent living, academic, and social life, without the comfort of close friends and relatives.

Common issues that many students find difficult include:

• shared accommodation
• independent living
• homesickness
• making new friends
• course content.

Over time you may find that the initial difficulties faced by the student settle with the support of those around them.

For further details regarding how you can provide support, please view our information on preparing students for university life.

• Be supportive
• Help to manage expectations
• Listen and take time to talk
• Reassure that anxiety is normal
• Talk through personal goals
• Encourage to seek support

The Look After Your Mate guide from Student Minds has some really helpful information and resources for people supporting others with mental health difficulties.

There are some instances in which the student may need support from the Wellbeing Service. If you think that the student you are concerned about could benefit from wellbeing services, please ask them to look at the support options and encourage them register with the Wellbeing Service.

• In term time, we are open Monday to Thursday 08:30-17:00 and Friday 08:30-16:30.
• Outside of term time, we are open Monday to Thursday 08:30-16:30 and Friday 08:30-16:00.

You can contact us at +44 (0)117 32 86268 or wellbeing@uwe.ac.uk.

You may have cause for concern, or strongly suspect something is wrong, if you become aware of any of the following:

• wanting to go home every weekend
• persistent emotional behaviour
• a close bereavement affecting study
• missing classes and deadlines
• poor self-care.

We are happy to listen to your concerns. Please contact the Wellbeing Service on +44 (0)117 32 86268 to arrange to speak with a Duty Practitioner.

Your call will be triaged by the Wellbeing Administration team and there may be a wait for a return call depending on demand in the service that day. However, we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible that day.

Please bear in mind this is a confidential service. If the student concerned is accessing the Wellbeing Service, we are not able to disclose information due to data privacy.

The Samaritans have resources to help if:

• you know someone who is feeling suicidal
• you are worried about someone.

UWE Bristol has a large network to support students whilst they complete their studies including:

• Accommodation Managers
• Student Support Advisors
• Peer Assisted Learning
• Information Point Advisors
• Disability Advisors
• Security and Campus Police.

All of these services are available to students to help them feel safe, secure and supported at the University.

If you are a parent, carer or family member with urgent concerns about the welfare of a UWE Bristol student, please call:

• +44 (0)7788 725 507 (Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:00, Friday 08:30-16:30)
• +44 (0)7814 791 212 (out of hours and weekends).

• Police/ambulance services: call 999 in case of emergency (call 101 for non-emergency issues).
• Samaritans: for a 24-hour listening service, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• Bristol Mental Health Crisis Service: call +44 (0)300 55 0334 for 24-hour support. Students can self-refer, or you can call on their behalf.
• Bristol Mind: call their confidential helpline on +44 (0)808 808 0330 (open Wednesday to Sunday from 08:00-14:00).
• Out-of-hours GP: call 111 for out-of-hours NHS services.