The Welfare Hub

Welcome to the Welfare Hub. You are not alone. This hub brings together resources, helplines, and practical advice to support your wellbeing. Explore the sections below to find the help that’s right for you.

If you’re struggling to stay safe or feeling overwhelmed, urgent support is available: Call 999 in an emergency, reach out to Samaritans any time on 116 123 or Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to speak to someone by text, free and available 24/7.

Click Here to Apply For a Medsoc Welfare Membership

If you’re concerned about your use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking, these resources can offer guidance, practical support, and confidential advice. Reaching out early can help you make positive changes and stay on track with your wellbeing.

University Support

Local Services

Sport and Excersise

Getting involved in sports and physical activities can help manage stress, improve mood, and provide a positive routine — all of which support recovery and wellbeing.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is important, and seeking support early can make a real difference. These resources offer guidance, practical tips, and links to trusted services for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges.

Managing Anxiety
An NHS guide explaining anxiety, its causes, and practical strategies to manage it, with additional contacts and downloadable resources:
Anxiety Self Help Guide (PDF)

Managing Depression
A guide on understanding depression, recognizing symptoms, exploring recommended treatments, and self-care tips:
Mind – Depression

Students Against Depression
A dedicated platform providing support, guidance, and peer experiences for students dealing with depression:
studentsagainstdepression.org

Stress Management
Tips and techniques for managing stress and building resilience in everyday life:
Mind – Managing Stress

Relaxation Techniques
Practical strategies for relaxation to help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall wellbeing:
Mind – Relaxation

Social Phobias / Anxiety
Information and support for coping with social phobias and social anxiety:
Social Anxiety Alliance

Sleeping Difficulties
Guidance for dealing with sleep problems, improving sleep hygiene, and getting restorative rest:
Mind – Sleep Problems

 

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Navigating university life as a neurodiverse student can bring unique challenges. These resources provide advice, guidance, and support for students with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse experiences.

National Autistic Society
Information, advice, and resources for autistic students, including tips for starting college or university:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Advice
Support and guidance for students with ADHD, including strategies for managing study and daily life:
ADHD UK

Neuroatypical Support
Resources and advice for neurodiverse students, helping with wellbeing, study strategies, and accessing support services:
Healthy Minds – Neurodiversity Support

 

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Losing someone can be incredibly difficult, and it’s important to know that support is available. These resources offer guidance, practical advice, and confidential support to help you cope with grief and loss.

Cruse Bereavement Care
Provides emotional support, guidance, and information for anyone affected by bereavement:

Bereavement Advice Centre
Offers practical advice on legal, financial, and emotional issues following a bereavement:

Mind – Understanding Bereavement
Guidance on coping with grief, managing emotions, and seeking additional support if needed:

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and included at university. These resources provide guidance on your rights, how to report concerns, and how to access support if you experience bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

BSMS Bullying and Harassment Policy & Reporting Tool
Information on the policy and how to report incidents:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policies

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Exams can be stressful, but you’re not alone. These resources offer practical strategies to manage stress, stay balanced, and perform at your best.

Samaritans – Coping Strategies for Exam Stress
The Samaritans provide a comprehensive guide to help you manage exam-related stress. Their DEAL (Developing Emotional Awareness and Listening) resources include coping planners, scenario-based activities, and tips for maintaining balance during revision and exams.

Navigating Exam Season (Place2Be)
A helpful PDF guide that highlights common signs of stress and offers practical strategies such as planning breaks, recognizing emotional triggers, and using relaxation techniques.

NHS Inform – Relaxation Techniques
Accessible resource with relaxation exercises designed to help with anxiety and maintaining calm—great for reducing physical and mental tension during exam periods.

NHS – Student Stress Self-Help Tips
A comprehensive guide covering common signs of stress, self-care strategies, and practical advice to support your mental health during exam season.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, or related trauma, help is available. These services provide confidential advice, advocacy, legal guidance, refuge, and emotional support.

RISE & Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service (IDVA)
Crisis and ongoing support, including refuge, advocacy, counselling, housing, legal and financial help, and support for children and young people.

Survivors Network & Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service (ISVA)
Support for women who have experienced sexual violence, rape, or childhood sexual abuse.

Mankind
Support for men who have experienced sexual abuse.

National Domestic Abuse Services

  • National 24hr Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 | womensaid.org.uk

  • Rights of Women: 0207 251 6577 (Advice line) / 0207 251 887 (Sexual violence legal advice line)

  • Men’s Advice Line – Respect: 0808 801 0327 | respect.uk.net

Rape Crisis England and Wales
National helpline for survivors of rape and sexual abuse and their partners, friends, and family.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Support is available for anyone experiencing an eating disorder, whether you’re seeking guidance, counselling, or helplines for immediate support. These services provide confidential advice and tailored support for students and adults.

Beat Eating Disorders
Helplines, guidance, and support for anyone affected by eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Support
Provides support, advice, and counselling for people experiencing eating disorders.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Managing finances and understanding student services can be challenging. These resources provide guidance, advice, and practical support for financial matters, part-time work, and general student life.

University of Sussex – Student Life Centre
Support for academic, personal, and welfare queries.

Student Accounts Office – University of Sussex
Help with tuition fees, payments, and financial queries.

Part-Time Jobs & Career Support

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Accessing healthcare and maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing is essential. These services provide guidance on registering with a GP, accessing walk-in services, and occupational health support.

GP Registration
Find your closest GP and register for healthcare:

University of Sussex Health Centre
Recommended for students living in University of Sussex Halls of Residence.

Walk-In Services

Occupational Health (OH) – BSMS
Promotes a safe and healthy working environment, supporting physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Services include fitness-for-work assessments, health surveillance, screening, vaccinations, travel advice, and guidance following workplace accidents.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Support is available for students with hearing loss, including guidance on education, communication, and accessing tailored assistance.

RNID (Action on Hearing Loss)
Provides information, support, and advice for people with hearing loss, including help in educational settings.

Dr Andrea Pepper – BSMS
Dr Pepper is a lecturer at BSMS with hearing loss herself. She works individually with students to address concerns and provide support for studying and communication.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

It’s common to feel homesick when starting university. These resources provide tips, advice, and reassurance to help you settle in and feel more at home.

Prospects – What to Do When You Feel Homesick
A comprehensive guide with tips for tackling homesickness, recognising signs, and building coping strategies.

University of Sussex – Homesickness and Settling In
Practical advice for overcoming homesickness and adjusting to life at university, including tips for managing culture shock for international students.

BSMS Societies & Sports
Getting involved in university life is a great way to meet new people, build friendships, and ease feelings of homesickness. BSMS societies and sports clubs provide opportunities to connect, socialise, and take part in activities outside of study.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Finding and maintaining suitable accommodation is important for student wellbeing. These resources provide guidance on university housing, private rentals, and support services for students facing housing challenges.

University of Sussex – Housing Office
Assistance with university accommodation, applications, and housing queries.

University Residential & Campus Support – Sussex
Support for students living on campus, including welfare and residential guidance.

University of Brighton – Accommodation Office
Assistance with university-managed accommodation and housing enquiries.

Sussex Housing Help – Private Sector
Guidance for students seeking private rental accommodation.

Sussex Student Union Advice Service
Independent advice for students on housing, rights, and tenancy issues.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Studying abroad can bring unique challenges. These services offer guidance, advice, and support to help international students adjust, access resources, and make the most of university life.

University of Sussex – International Student Support
Provides information and support for international students, including visas, orientation, and wellbeing guidance.

University of Brighton – International Student Support
Offers advice and assistance for international students on study, visas, accommodation, and wellbeing.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

Whether you need help with legal rights, professional concerns, or medico-legal issues, these resources provide clear guidance and support when you need it most.

University of Sussex – Free Legal Advice
Provides advice on employment law, family law, housing law, and criminal justice law.

Mind – Legal Advice & Practical Support
Offers support on mental health rights, community care, housing, money, employment, immigration, family law, and legal aid.

British Medical Association (BMA)
The professional organisation for doctors, providing advice on public health, medical ethics, education, contracts, and professional support.

Medical Defence Union (MDU)
Supports doctors with medico-legal advice and professional issues throughout their careers.

Medical Protection Society (MPS)
Provides professional indemnity, legal advice, and support for doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals in clinical negligence claims, ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, and inquiries.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

You are not alone in managing your mental health. Explore the information and services tailored to the mental health needs of Black, African, and Asian students.

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)
Provides culturally competent therapy and mental health support for Black, African, and Asian individuals.

Black Minds Matter UK
Offers support, resources, and advocacy for mental health within the Black community.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, these services provide 24/7 support, guidance, and resources to keep you safe.

Samaritans
Available 24/7 for anyone in distress.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – For Men
Support for men experiencing suicidal thoughts.

  • Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily)

  • Webchat: CALM Webchat

Papyrus – For People Under 35
Support and prevention for young people at risk.

  • Call: 0800 068 41 41 (Mon–Fri 9am–10pm; Weekends/Bank Holidays 2pm–10pm)

  • Text: 07860 039967

  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

#StayAlive App
App for those at risk of suicide or concerned about someone.

NHS Help for Suicidal Thoughts
Official NHS guidance and resources.

Zero Suicide Alliance
Training and resources to prevent suicide.

Failsafe Alerts
App to quickly communicate with loved ones when in urgent need.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

These services provide guidance, community, and support for LGBTQ+ students, covering wellbeing, sexual health, relationships, and identity.

University of Brighton LGBTQ+ Support
Offers advice, resources, and support for LGBTQ+ students at Brighton.

GLADD – Association of LGBT Doctors and Dentists
A UK network supporting LGBTQ+ medical and dental professionals.

Switchboard – National LGBTQIA+ Helpline
Confidential support for any questions or concerns around sexuality, gender identity, relationships, or wellbeing.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.

A range of services are available to support your mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal development, from meditation and online communities to confidential counselling and specialised academic support.

Free Drop-in Meditation Classes

  • Brighton Buddhist Centre, North Laine (17 Tichbourne Street, BN1 1RU)

  • Website: Meditation Courses

Disability and Dyslexia Team, University of Brighton
Provides assistance with DSA applications, exam support, learning support plans, and academic accommodations.

Big White Wall / Togetherall
A 24/7 online community with trained counsellors, offering anonymous support to help manage mental health.

Free Apps for Wellbeing

  • Headspace, Calm, Colorfy

University of Brighton Counselling & Wellbeing Service
Free, confidential counselling including telephone sessions for BSMS Year 3 & 5 students. Can support Mit Circs applications.

University of Sussex Counselling Services

Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service (NHS)
Offers talking therapies, online CBT, group courses, and links to other support. Self-referral or GP referral possible.

BSMS Student Advice
 You can also talk through any concerns with BSMS Student Advice, who can guide you to further support.