We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings.
Skip to main content Skip to main menu
Saved courses
Search website

Support over Christmas

Activities and ways to keep busy
What's on
Support available over the Christmas period (and beyond!)
Managing your money
Food supplies over Christmas
Medical care
Housing
Your personal safety

BCU’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team will be available up to 4pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024, and will re-open at 9am on Thursday 2 January 2025. The team is made up of mental health advisers, wellbeing advisers, counsellors and CBT Therapists.

Contact the team on wellbeing@bcu.ac.uk or via iCity.

We have listed below some helpful resources if you are looking for support over the Christmas period. You can also take a look at our iCity pages for up-to-date information on our support and external support services, in addition to the services listed below.

If you require emergency support in your BCU accommodation you can call Security on 0121 331 6969.

Jump to:

 

Mental health

BCU Wellbeing app

Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the BCU Wellbeing app aims to help you achieve balance, create healthy habits, and reach your potential. There’s a wealth of interactive tools, including podcasts, breathing techniques and more.

Search ‘BCU Wellbeing app’ on your device’s app store to download.

Samaritans

Offering support 24/7, 365 days of the year. You can get in touch about anything which is troubling you, no matter how big or small. For the quickest response, it’s best to phone on their free phone number.

Samaritans also has a free self help app, which you can access via their website.

Shout

A confidential, 24/7 text service, free on all major networks in the UK to support you if you are feeling stressed, anxious or in need of support. Responses are not always immediate, but you will be connected to a Shout volunteer as soon as possible.

Papyrus

A confidential suicide prevention advice line, if you, or someone you know is thinking of suicide. Papyrus offer support between 9am and midnight every day.

Birmingham Mind

Central Wellbeing Hub: Drop-in hub in the Bullring and Grand Central providing a safe, secure environment for anyone seeking mental health advice, support and signposting.

Talking space: Safe, welcoming talking spaces if you are feeling emotionally distressed or are in a mental health crisis. Open in Selly Oak, Erdington and Northfield from 5 - 11pm.


Eating disorders

Beat

The UK’s eating disorder charity, offering support to individuals with an eating disorder, and to those supporting them. Their Helplines are open 365 days a year from 9am – midnight during the week, and 4pm – midnight on weekends and bank holidays. They also offer a 1:1 online chat service.


Support for care experienced people

Rees Foundation

Rees Foundation run a number of groups called ‘Let’s Connect’, which connect members of the care experienced community.


Grief / loss

Cruse Bereavement

Offering support online and via the telephone, to anyone effected by grief. Telephone support hours vary throughout the week, so please check online.


Domestic abuse

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid

Offering support to women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse, including information and support with refuge and housing options.

Their telephone helpline is open 7 days a week 9.15am - 5.15pm and webchat is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm.

Men’s Advice Line

Offering help and support for male victims of domestic abuse via telephone, email and webchat. Telephone support is offered Mon–Fri 10am-8pm and is free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Email support is offered Mon-Fri 9am-8pm and Webchat Wednesday 10-11:30am and 2:30-4pm.

Birmingham LGBT Domestic Abuse Service

The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service provides support to LGBT people in Birmingham and the wider areas, who are experiencing abuse from partners, ex-partners and family members. Get in touch by completing the form on the contact page on their website, or by telephone or email.

LGBTQ+

LGBT+ Switchboard

Switchboard provides a one stop listening service for LGBTQ+ people on the phone and through instant messaging for whatever you may want to talk about.

Telephone lines are open 10am - 10pm every day, and web support is offered from 6pm. Please check their website for accurate web support opening times.

Mindline Trans+

An emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary or genderfluid, also offering support to family members, friends, colleagues and carers.

You can call 8pm-midnight, Monday-Friday.

Alcohol and substance use

Change, Grow, Live (CGL)

Offers online webchat for alcohol and drugs if you are concerned about your consumption and are considering cutting down,in addition to regional support services and in person support groups.

FRANK

Provides friendly, confidential advice and information on drugs, including signposting to support services. You can call 24/7, text or chat online 2-6pm 7 days a week.

Other support

Rape Sexual Violence Project RSVP

Offering support to people of any gender affected by sexual abuse and violence at any point in their lives, via helplines, social groups, coffee mornings, counselling and more. Please check their website for opening hours over Christmas.

Horizon

Providing support to people of any gender who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Telephone support is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Their specialist teams can offer you emotional support, medical care, practical help, counselling and information.

National Debt Line

Offering free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. The fastest way to speak to an advisor is online. Service is offered Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm and Saturday 9:30am - 1pm.

GamCare

GamCare is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service, a network of organisations working together to provide confidential treatment and support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms, free to access across England Scotland and Wales.

Gambling support is available via telephone and 1:1 web chat 24/7 every day of the year.