Phone and online support – Care First

Care First is a free telephone and online counselling service available to UCL students outside of standard office hours for non-academic concerns.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/support-and-wellbeing/evening-and-weekend-support

Information and counselling are currently provided via telephone 24/7 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Phone: +44 (0)800 197 4510

You can also speak to a Care First adviser online through one-to-one instant messaging. This is available through the Care First Lifestyle website (username = uclstudent / password = bentham)

Doctor – Urgent support

GP (General Practitioner/Doctor) should be a first point of contact for any issues related to physical and mental health. Doctors also provide support if you are feeling distressed and need urgent support. To access this support you should contact your GP/Doctor’s surgery in order to request an emergency appointment. If your GP/Doctor’s surgery isn’t open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 for guidance.

Please be aware that during the current coronavirus outbreak, you should always call your doctor before visiting in person. You may be given an appointment over the phone rather than face to face.

Many UCL students living near our main Bloomsbury campus can register at the Ridgmount Practice:

http://www.ridgmountpractice.nhs.uk/

Crisis support

If you need urgent medical attention, including for a mental health crisis in which you are concerned about keeping yourself safe, call 999 for urgent support (or your local equivalent if you are overseas) – you may be directed to an A&E department or an ambulance may be sent to you.

Samaritans – www.samaritans.org.uk (116 123) offer support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and you can contact them to talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue.

Befrienders Worldwide is a global network of similar listening organisations – visit their website to find a support service near you if you are overseas – https://www.befrienders.org/

Further information on support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Comprehensive information on the support services available to you during the current pandemic is available on the Student Support and Wellbeing website.

We recommend all students keep themselves up to date with the latest information from UCL by regular checking both their UCL email account and the FAQs online.

Preparing for assessments

Many students will be revising for assessments during the Easter break. Our Exam Success Guide is full of useful information and resources to help you get the most out of your revision and perform at your best on the day.

Remember that in-person exams will not take place as planned, but will be replaced with alternative assessments. Further information is available on the UCL Students website.