Who do I talk to if I'm worried about a student?
Contact Wellbeing if you are concerned about a student. We won’t be able to share information without the student’s consent, but we can provide guidance about how to deal with the situation, and information about how to refer a student to our services.
Contact the University Case Conference Group for advice on complex student cases which:
- involve more than one University support service and/or
- involve risk/potential harm to one or more students and/or
- involve concerns about a student’s vulnerability to radicalisation
A member of the Case Conference Group will reply with advice on the next steps. They may suggest that you set up a Cause for Concern Group and fill in a Cause for Concern Action Log.
Emergency? Need help now? »
What if a situation occurs outside normal working hours?
If a student is distressed, unwell or is asking for help – or if others are worried about them – try to listen non-judgmentally, reassure them, and gather information. You may be able to help just by listening or suggesting practical help, e.g. how to find a late-night pharmacy or how to contact Brookes Union Safety Bus in order to get home ( 07714 445 050).
You are not expected to offer professional help, but you may need to decide on what action to take. Follow the 5 basic steps:
5 basic steps
- Is there immediate danger? Call 999
- Listen
- Reassure
- Give information
- Arrange follow up if appropriate
If the student feels that they need help at that moment but there is no immediate danger, you could suggest the following resources
- 111 – 24 hour non-emergency health advice. The caller is asked questions to determine the nature of the problem. The 111 team will coordinate a response from a duty doctor or the police if necessary, or recommend further action.
- 101 – 24 hour non-emergency police enquiries. The 101 team will gather information and identify appropriate action – this might involve contacting medical services, or arranging for a welfare call. As part of the Street Triage Service a Community Psychiatric Nurse may accompany police officers if a student is experiencing mental health difficulties.
- The Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Tel: 116 123 (Freephone)
Email: jo@samaritans.org - Nightline is a listening, support and information service run by students for students.
Follow up
Remind the student that they can contact their Student Support Co-ordinator, Wellbeing, Brookes Union Advice or their doctor for further support during working hours.