More Support Information
If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis:
NHS Mental Health Crisis Line
Call 111 and select Option 2.
Available 24 hours a day for urgent mental health support and advice.
Samaritans
Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 116 123
SHOUT
24 hours a day, 7 days a week - support via text message.
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service
The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service provides support with:
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Disability and long-term health conditions
- Study-related wellbeing concerns
- Signposting to specialist services
Email: wellbeing@essex.ac.uk
Further information is available through the University's wellbeing webpages.
SU Advice
SU Advice provides confidential, impartial and free advice to students on a range of issues including:
- Academic concerns
- Housing
- Student Visa extensions
- Support at Student Conduct, Academic Offences and Fitness to Practise meetings
- Money worries
- University procedures and appeals
- Signposting to specialist support
Telephone: 01206 863211
Email: suadvice@essex.ac.uk
Website: www.essexstudent.com/advice
SafeZone
SafeZone is a free and simple-to-use app for our students and staff. It's designed to help you summon first-aid, security or safety assistance via your mobile phone.
The Faith Centre
The Colchester Campus Faith Centre is a welcoming place for staff, students and the wider community to meet, interact and engage in a positive and peaceful manner.
Email Faith Centre
Student Wellbeing Support Line (24/7)
Confidential support for personal, emotional, study, or wellbeing concerns.
Telephone: 0800 028 3766 (available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays)
Wisdom App
A health and wellbeing space including instant calling, live chat and video calls with counselling support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Download Wisdom on the App Store or on Google Play and use the code MHA307573.
For more information, watch this video.
Togetherall
A digital, peer support mental health platform where you can share your lived experiences anonymously and learn from the experiences of others.
Register to explore the platform.
Access a range of short courses to help support your mental health.
Student Space
A national student mental health service run by Student Minds offering online support, information, and resources, including evening support services.
Visit Student Space
North East Essex Mind
Provides a range of local mental health services, information, and support across Essex.
01206 764600, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
For urgent assistance: 0300 330 9492, 10am-11pm, 7 days a week
Oakwood Place Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Essex, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
SARC services operate between 9am-9pm (Monday-Sunday).
Contact on 0330 223 0099.
Self-referrals without police involvement can also be made via their website.
CARA - Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
CARA work with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
Call 01206 769795
Email info@caraessex.org.uk
Online self-referral form
NHS
For urgent medical advice when it is not a life-threatening emergency:
Call: 111
University Health Centre
For medical concerns during normal opening hours, contact the University Health Centre if you are a registered patient.
01206 794484
Worries about another student?
If you are concerned about the welfare, safety, or wellbeing of a fellow student:
- Speak to the Student Wellbeing Team.
- Contact Campus Security if urgent.
- In an emergency, call 999.
- Submit a student concern report if there is a welfare concern but no immediate danger.
Report and Support
The University of Essex has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence, harassment and hate crime. All staff, students, and visitors to campus can report something anonymously or get support from an adviser.
Visit Report and Support
Campus accommodation
There are different contacts depending on which accommodation you are in:
South Courts, The Towers, The Houses and Wolfson Court
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm - online form or email ems-helpdesk@essex.ac.uk.
Out of hours, emergency repair issue - Call Campus Security on 01206 872125.
The Meadows, The Copse or University Quays
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm - online form or email mqessexhelpdesk@pfpstudents.co.uk.
Out of hours, emergency repair issue - Call Security on 07460 373172.
The Pastures
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm - visit the reception in the Saltmarsh Building, call 01206 636060 or email uoe.helpdesk.uk@equans.com.
Out of hours, emergency repair issue - Call Security on 07779 872201.
SU Homes
If your property is managed by SU Homes use the following details to report repairs or faults:
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm call 01206 878978 or email kelly@suhomes.co.uk.
Out of hours, emergency repair issue - Call on 07563 641931.
Shelter
If SU Advice is closed and you need emergency housing advice then contact Shelter, who offer free advice online and webchat.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
Colchester City Council Private Sector Housing Team
Online advice and information. The team can also support with issues with poor property conditions or illegal eviction threats from private landlords.
Visit Colchester City Council's private sector housing guidance.
Call 01206 282581 (option 6).
UKCISA
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has a Student Advice phone line which can provide free advice about studying in the UK and immigration issues.
Monday to Friday (not including public holidays), 1pm-4pm (UK time): 0207 788 9214
Visit UKCISA