Who do I talk to if I'm worried about a student?
If you are concerned about a student, please refer to our new Signposting Students Guide in the first instance and follow this advice.
Signposting Students: A guide for University staff »
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.
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 use the Brookes Union safer taxi travel scheme in order to get home.
Follow the 5 basic steps
You are not expected to offer professional help, but you may need to decide on what action to take. Follow the 5 basic steps:
- Is there immediate danger? Call 999
- Listen
- Reassure
- Give information
- Arrange follow up if appropriate
Emergency? Need help now? »
If the student feels that they need help at that moment but there is no immediate danger, you could suggest the following resources:
24 hour non-emergency health advice
Tel: 111
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.
24 hour non-emergency police enquiries
Tel: 101
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.
Follow up
Remind the student that they can contact:
Free mental health e-learning for all University staff
Would you like to feel more confident when supporting students in distress? This e-learning package consists of six easy-to-follow, 20-minute sessions including:
- Signs to look out for
- Key helping skills
- Knowing who else to involve
- Supporting students at risk or in crisis
For students experiencing depression, anxiety, homesickness or low self-esteem, that first conversation can make all the difference.
To find out more and access the sessions, visit Free Mental Health e-Learning.