Please be advised the University is closed from 5pm on Wednesday 16th April 2025 and reopens on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025. Our teams will respond to any enquiries we receive upon our return.

Below is some important advice and resources that you can use to support yourself while the University is closed.

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.

You can also download our external services resources pack with contact details for services - External Support Services [DOCX]

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.
• Recovery Lounge – Luton + Bedfordshire (formerly Crisis Cafe): are open each evening in Bedfordshire and Luton. Anyone from Bedfordshire and Luton is welcome at any location. The service operates from 5pm-11pm 365 days of the year and can support you to get well, stay well. Find your closest open Recovery Lounge
• 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.