If you are struggling it is important that you talk to someone. We are here to support you so please do contact us as we can help. You should also talk to your GP if you think you are developing a mental health problem.
GP
Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you may find it helpful just to know there is someone you can talk to about the feelings you are having. Your GP may refer you to specialist services if he/she feels they will help you. The Mental Health Foundation have produced some useful information about talking to your GP
NHS Talking Therapies
This is an NHS service offering talking therapies for common mental health problems, in Camden and Hawkshead you can refer yourself to these services without a GP consultation. If you are registered to another GP you may still be able to refer yourself without going through your GP but if you are unsure speak to your GP, most areas in England have an Talking Therapy service, but the kinds of therapies available differs from region to region. In Camden the service is called 'I-cope' and in Hawkshead is through Herts 'Single point of access'; the service you are eligible to access is dependent on the GP you are currently registered with.
Camden - https://www.icope.nhs.uk/camden-islington
Hawkshead - https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/
Camden - https://www.icope.nhs.uk/camden-islington
Hawkshead - https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/
For students
We have a range of specialist support available at the RVC. To access this support please contact the Advice Centre at advice@rvc.ac.uk or make an appointment with a Student Wellbeing Adviser who can talk through your situation with you and direct you to the most appropriate support some of which is outlined below:
Our Mental Health Adviser provides emotional and practical support, intervention and advice to any students who experience complex or significant mental health difficulties. It is important to recognise that although this service does not replace those provided by the NHS, including crisis services, it does compliment them. Contact with our Mental Health Adviser can help to determine which other services located within and outside of the University may be appropriate to support a student and may include liaison with those other services; including onward referral when this is required.
Wellbeing Mentoring Support is offered to students who may need support due to having personal difficulties or traumatic events, which are affecting their studies. The support is usually short term and is designed to help you get back on track with your studies. The purpose of the support is to enable you as a student to become more independent, feel more confident with your work and have a better experience at the RVC. The relationship provides practical learning support tailored to your specific needs.
RVC Counselling - Counselling at the RVC is confidential and free. Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Further information can be found on the Advice Centre Learn pages and if you feel you would benefit from counselling please book an appointment with a Student Wellbeing Adviser.
Togetherall - All RVC students and staff have free access to online mental health support via Togetherall. Togetherall is a digital mental health and wellbeing support service which is available online, 24/7 via computer, tablet or smartphone. To sign up visit www.togetherall.com, click 'Register' and then select the 'I'm from a University or College' tile. You will be prompted to enter your RVC email address and you can then set up an anonymous username. The site is anonymous and the RVC will not be able to identify anyone using the site
Our Mental Health Adviser provides emotional and practical support, intervention and advice to any students who experience complex or significant mental health difficulties. It is important to recognise that although this service does not replace those provided by the NHS, including crisis services, it does compliment them. Contact with our Mental Health Adviser can help to determine which other services located within and outside of the University may be appropriate to support a student and may include liaison with those other services; including onward referral when this is required.
Wellbeing Mentoring Support is offered to students who may need support due to having personal difficulties or traumatic events, which are affecting their studies. The support is usually short term and is designed to help you get back on track with your studies. The purpose of the support is to enable you as a student to become more independent, feel more confident with your work and have a better experience at the RVC. The relationship provides practical learning support tailored to your specific needs.
RVC Counselling - Counselling at the RVC is confidential and free. Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Further information can be found on the Advice Centre Learn pages and if you feel you would benefit from counselling please book an appointment with a Student Wellbeing Adviser.
Togetherall - All RVC students and staff have free access to online mental health support via Togetherall. Togetherall is a digital mental health and wellbeing support service which is available online, 24/7 via computer, tablet or smartphone. To sign up visit www.togetherall.com, click 'Register' and then select the 'I'm from a University or College' tile. You will be prompted to enter your RVC email address and you can then set up an anonymous username. The site is anonymous and the RVC will not be able to identify anyone using the site
For staff
Togetherall - All RVC students and staff have free access to online mental health support via Togetherall. Togetherall is a digital mental health and wellbeing support service which is available online, 24/7 via computer, tablet or smartphone. To sign up visit www.togetherall.com, click 'Register' and then select the 'I'm from a University or College' tile. You will be prompted to enter your RVC email address and you can then set up an anonymous username. The site is anonymous and the RVC will not be able to identify anyone using the site
Care First - The College, in partnership with 'Care First', offers a counselling and advisory service to RVC employees as an additional source of workplace support.
Human Resources - If you are a member of staff or manager your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you. If appropriate this may include referring staff member to occupational health as a duty of care.
Chaplaincy - The College Chaplain has pastoral care and concern for all in College, students and staff alike, and is available to listen and talk in complete confidence about any concerns members of the College may have
Care First - The College, in partnership with 'Care First', offers a counselling and advisory service to RVC employees as an additional source of workplace support.
Human Resources - If you are a member of staff or manager your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you. If appropriate this may include referring staff member to occupational health as a duty of care.
Chaplaincy - The College Chaplain has pastoral care and concern for all in College, students and staff alike, and is available to listen and talk in complete confidence about any concerns members of the College may have
External support
Samaritans
116 123
The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
London Nightline
020 7631 0101 - open from 6pm to 8am GMT every night of term
London Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening and practical information service run by students for students of the University of London and beyond. You can talk to them about anything – big or small – in complete confidence. They won’t judge you or tell you how to run your life: they’ll simply listen to whatever is on your mind. All of their volunteers are students themselves, and have undergone extensive training and understand that university life isn’t always plain sailing.
Vet Life
0303 040 2551
Vet Life is an independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses and students. Their charity provides a 24/7 phone and email helpline; professional mental health support; financial assistance; information and resources.
Vetsnet
Vetsnet was created and designed to promote wellbeing amongst all members of the veterinary profession and to provide support and engagement with a variety of topics relevant to the community.
Vet Mind Matters
The Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those in the veterinary team, including students, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and practice managers. MMI was launched in 2015 and is funded and run by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK.
116 123
The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
London Nightline
020 7631 0101 - open from 6pm to 8am GMT every night of term
London Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening and practical information service run by students for students of the University of London and beyond. You can talk to them about anything – big or small – in complete confidence. They won’t judge you or tell you how to run your life: they’ll simply listen to whatever is on your mind. All of their volunteers are students themselves, and have undergone extensive training and understand that university life isn’t always plain sailing.
Vet Life
0303 040 2551
Vet Life is an independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses and students. Their charity provides a 24/7 phone and email helpline; professional mental health support; financial assistance; information and resources.
Vetsnet
Vetsnet was created and designed to promote wellbeing amongst all members of the veterinary profession and to provide support and engagement with a variety of topics relevant to the community.
Vet Mind Matters
The Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those in the veterinary team, including students, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and practice managers. MMI was launched in 2015 and is funded and run by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK.
National Mind
0300 123 3393
The Mind infoLine offers callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Calls from anywhere in the UK are charged at local call. Their website also contains useful factsheets on mental health issues and booklets on specific topics can be purchased from their online shop.
0300 123 3393
The Mind infoLine offers callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Calls from anywhere in the UK are charged at local call. Their website also contains useful factsheets on mental health issues and booklets on specific topics can be purchased from their online shop.