SO SORRY THIS SERVICE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED BUT WE DO HOPE THAT IT WILL RE-OPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. FOR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL THANK YOU!
Can we help? We can assist you with finding useful services in your area for example counselling, confidential support, support groups, special interest groups, societies, translators or social clubs. First step: Think about what you would like to find out about. Second step: Send us an email with your location and your question/s to:
Alternatively if you prefer not to use your normal email account sign-up for a free account in this site and send a private message to Signposting (Important: You must be logged-in to use this service - if you do not already have an account click here to do this now). Once you have set up an account simply type Signposting in the address to send to box and we will respond as soon as we can directly to your Students in Mind account. You can choose any user name you like all information is confidential and then you can log in to receive your own private messages.
Q. Why is there a need for this signposting service? A. Often when a person feels distressed it can be a difficult and confusing process to firstly locate the most useful service and then make the first step of contacting a service.
The Students in Mind signposting service is different form current projects in that it will act as a 'stepping stone,' to further help by encouraging and guiding the students to the most appropriate support from the most relevant agency.
Q. Are the volunteers qualified? A. The email response system will be run by students and those who have directly experienced mental distress and who have benefited from training provided by the Students in Mind staff and the Samaritans in London. The volunteers will also themselves receive support and guidance throughout the project.
Q. What happens when the volunteers receive an email? A. Once an email has been received the volunteer will find the most appropriate services to refer the user to, for example, a university counselling service, a Nightline service, National Union of Students, NSF, MIND etc. (The volunteers will have access to databases of national support services including charities and those provided by individual institutions).The volunteer will explain clearly what each service is to the user and try and clarify any issues as they arise.
Q. How long will it take to get a response to my email? A. This is not an emergency service our team will respond as quickly as possible we work 9am – 5pm daily and aim to respond within 2 hours during these hours. The wait may be longer when there are large numbers of users.
Q. What happens if I am really distressed and need support quickly? A. If an email is received from a very distressed student the volunteers will telephone the user if they wish to provide a number and may act as an advocate by directly informing the services they require of their situation, again this is only with the users permission. We would always advise however that if the matter is urgent you must call your General Practitioner, local Accident and Emergency or contact the Samaritans, Mind or your Student Services.
Q. What about maintaining confidentiality? A. Systems are in place to ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times unless a respondent expresses a wish to be known to the most appropriate services and/or would like Students in Mind to act as an advocate for them.
Q. What are the long term goals of Students in Mind? A. Students in Mind hopes to raise the profile of the many current examples of good supportive practice available throughout the United Kingdom. It is also hoped that this project will work towards removing the stigma associated with mental distress and assist many students in the future to successfully completing their courses of study.
Q. Can any student use the service? A. Yes we welcome ALL students in Further and Higher Education, we have a non-discriminatory policy and will not be judgemental.
