Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
Your Wellbeing Matters: Simple Ways to Find Support, Lessen Stress, and Thrive.
Undertaking a degree is an exciting chapter, but it also comes with a unique set of pressures. Balancing academic deadlines, financial responsibilities, and social changes can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, please know that you do not have to navigate this journey alone. A wide range of dedicated, confidential resources are available to support your mental health and wellbeing throughout your time at university.
School-Led Support Services
Your first port of call should often be the support network here at Central Film School. These services are free, confidential, and tailored specifically to student life.
- Student Services and Counselling: At Central Film School we have a dedicated Student Services Team and Counselling service. You can find more information on these services here.
- Personal Tutors: If your mental health is impacting your studies, speaking to your personal tutor early on can help you access academic adjustments, such as coursework extensions or mitigating circumstances. You can find more information on Personal Tutors here.
Dedicated External Student Resources
Sometimes, you might want to look for support outside of CFS. Several national organizations specialize entirely in student mental health, offering everything from peer-to-peer support to professional counseling.
Student Space (by Student Minds)
Student Space is a trusted, free resource designed specifically to help students navigate the unique challenges of university life. Run by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, it offers a wealth of support options:
- Flexible Contact Options: You can access free support via phone, text, webchat, or email, allowing you to communicate in whatever way feels safest and most comfortable for you.
- Targeted Resources: Their platform features expert articles, student stories, and tools covering everything from exam stress and loneliness to managing finances, identity, and grief.
Nightline Association
Nightline is a confidential, anonymous listening and information service run by students, for students. Because mental health struggles don't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule, Nightlines operate throughout the night when other university services are typically closed. They provide a safe, non-judgmental, and non-directional space to talk about absolutely anything on your mind—whether it's academic pressure, a relationship issue, or just feeling lonely in the middle of the night.
Papyrus (Hopeline247)
Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. If you or a student friend are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or are struggling to cope with life, you can contact their Hopeline247 service. It is a free, confidential support and advice service staffed by trained professionals who can help you stay safe. You can call them, text them, or webchat through their site at any time of the day or night.
Togetherall
Togetherall is a vibrant, clinically managed online community where students can look after their mental health together. Many universities subscribe to this service, making it completely free for their students to use. It offers a safe, entirely anonymous space to express your thoughts, share experiences with peers who understand what you are going through, and access guided self-help courses to manage anxiety and depression.
General Digital Tools and Apps
If you are looking for self-guided support to manage daily stress or improve your sleep, several evidence-based digital platforms can help:
| Resource | What it Offers | Best For |
| Hub of Hope | A national mental health database run by Chasing the Stigma. | Finding local NHS, charity, and grassroots services nearest to your term-time address. |
| Headspace | Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises (often offers student discounts). | Reducing daily anxiety, grounding yourself, and improving sleep quality. |
| Calm | Sleep stories, guided meditations, and relaxing music soundtracks. | Managing stress levels and building a better bedtime routine. |
| Stay Alive App | A pocket suicide prevention resource packed with useful statistics and tools. | Crisis support, creating a personalized safety plan, and finding reasons for living. |
When You Need Immediate or Urgent Help
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent medical attention, please use the following resources immediately. They are free, confidential, and available to anyone.
- Call 111: To reach the NHS mental health services for urgent advice and triage. You can also visit NHS 111 Online.
- Call 999 or Visit A&E: If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger or has sustained a life-threatening injury.
- The Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) to speak to someone confidentially about anything you are going through, or visit the Samaritans Website.
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. It is completely silent and won't show up on your phone bill.
