Important Service Information

If you are concerned about your physical or mental health and feel you are at risk, you need to make an urgent appointment with your doctor or go to the nearest Accident & Emergency Department at your local hospital. In an Emergency you are advised to call 999.

If you have not yet registered with a doctor, call NHS 111.

Please note the helplines given below are not necessarily available 24/7.

Below are a range of different topics you might need support with, you will find contact details and links to both University and external support here.

Cost of Living Support:

• Find your local Trussell Trust food bank, their contact details and opening times on Find a Food Bank
• If you're struggling to afford the essentials or need advice and support you can call one of Trussell Trust free helplines
• Visit MyBedsLife - cost of living support for information for students impacted by cost of living.
• Visit the Citizens Advice Website for information on advice and support including cost of living, debt advice, housing, benefits and work. For emergency food call 0808 208 2183 to talk to a trained advisor.

Warm Places to Study:

• University has extended Library opening hours so you have a warm place to study, charge your electronic devices and have access to free Wi-Fi.
• Visit Library Opening Times for full information.
• Find a Warm Space to go in Dunstable and Luton, visit this Warm Spaces website to find out more.

Homelessness or Housing Issues:

• Visit the university Homelessness Support Page for information including external agency support including local council who can provide housing advice and support for individuals living within specific areas.
• Please be advised if you require emergency accommodation, visit your local council for advice and support or if you feel there immediate risk to your safety and life, contact 999 or visit your local police station.

Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Support:

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like support including how to find local and national services who can support visit our domestic abuse support page
• If you or anyone else is in immediate danger call 999 or present to any Emergency Services Building (Police Station, Hospital, Fire Station or Doctor's Surgery).
• If it is not safe for you to speak, you can use Silent Solution available on most mobile phones.
• Additionally "Safe Spaces" can be found a Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons for those seeking support from Domestic Abuse.
• Rape Crisis, 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line, call free on 0808 500 222 or visit the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line to free online chat.
• You can also report a crime online

Health and Wellbeing Support:

• Hub of Hope: the leading mental health support database bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time to help you find the right service for you.
• Crisis Cafes Bedford and Luton: Support and a safe place for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Find your local Crisis Café or call 01525 722 225 or email crisiscafe@mind-blmk.org.uk during the hours listed.
• Samaritans: Have a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call 116 123 or Email: jo@samaritans.org
• CALM: Suicide Prevention Helpline, Call 0800 585858- lines are open from 5pm until midnight.
• SHOUT: Free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope, Text “shout” to 85258
• Student Minds provide support to make the winter break work for you, whatever your plans or circumstances are.
• If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.

Where to find Student Support on campus

• Luton campus: Student Support is based on the second floor of the Campus Centre.
• Bedford campus: Student Support is based next to the Hub in P0.31a.

Accessing Support remotely

Please find University Support Team information below – please note there will be no response to emails during the Easter closure dates.

Security:

• Luton: 01582 489313
• Bedford: 07824 527537

• 0800 389 8455 (24/7 emergency number)

Student Accommodation:

• Luton CLV (24 hour reception), telephone: 07808 770659.
• Bedford Homes for Students, telephone: 01423 855960.

Beds Student Union (BEDS SU):

• Visit the Beds SU Helpdesk for self-help resources, including a video on how to write an appeal Completing your UoB Academic Appeal Form - YouTube. If you have concerns about academic appeals and cannot gain independent advise please contact adjudication@beds.ac.uk to advice you are awaiting an appointment with the Beds SU.
• For information on the services that can help click where to go for support for more information.

SEAM Support:

• Need to apply for extensions or re-assessments? Find out more about mitigation, download a mitigation application form and email your completed form to Mitigation@beds.ac.uk
• Advice and support on issues impacting on your attendance, ability to submit work and progression on your course visit student engagement or email the team studentengagement@beds.ac.uk

Health and Wellbeing Support:

• Visit Disability for information including dyslexia screening, DSA and study needs assessments information and how we can support you. You can email the team on Disability@beds.ac.uk
• Mental Health support including self help resources and list of services for those managing an existing mental health diagnosis. You can email the team on mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk
• Find out about Counselling support available at the university and you can email the team on Counselling@beds.ac.uk

Money Advice:

• Visit Student Money Advice for information including part time job, bursary information and financial support options, you can contact the team by emailing: studentmoney@beds.ac.uk

Community and Faith:

• Community and Faith team who offer pastoral and emotional support can be contacted Chaplaincy Team Support is available by emailing: treehouse@beds.ac.uk. Visit Treehouse for information including a map highlighting places of worship and a guide of spirituality and faith in the Bedfordshire and surrounds areas.

Careers and Employability:

• Discover employees, graduate roles, part time jobs, volunteering, network with employees and apply for jobs through the university Handshake platform.
• Kick start your career, create and review your CV, practice interview techniques and much more through the university Beds Career Builder platform.