Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, if you are feeling worried, stressed or homesick – or perhaps concerned about a friend’s wellbeing – you are not on your own. Here are our five points on getting support…
POINT ONE: DON’T SIT ON YOUR WORRIES…
At firstpoint, we are here to help you access information and support during your studies. Even if you’re not sure what to ask, please come and speak to a firstpoint Adviser. You don’t need an appointment, just pop in during our opening hours. You can always ask to speak away from the desk, if you prefer. Find out more about us on the firstpoint webpages.
POINT TWO: FANCY A CUPPA…
During semester time, you can join students and staff for free refreshments and a chat at the twice weekly ‘Fancy a Cuppa’ events.
These are hosted by Student Wellbeing Champions and Student Services Staff, and are an opportunity for students to make contact with support staff and come together with other students in an informal, casual setting. A confidential space is available should it be required for a more private conversation.
Find out more on the Fancy A Cuppa webpage.
POINT THREE: STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELLBEING TEAM…
The Student Support and Wellbeing team offer a confidential support service on a broad range of pastoral and welfare issues and would be happy to meet with you about any concerns that are affecting your time at the University of Worcester.
You can book an appointment by emailing them directly: studentlife@worc.ac.uk. And you can find out more information about what they can support you with on their webpage.
POINT FOUR: IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT A FRIEND…
If you are concerned about someone else on your course, a housemate or a friend who appears to be struggling, it is important that you are realistic about how much support you can offer them, and to remember to take responsibility for looking after yourself.
Here are some suggestions of what you can do to help them:
- Be there and listen
- Encourage them to seek help by:
- booking a STAR (Support, Triage, Advice, Refer) appointment
- visiting their GP
- If they require immediate support:
- encourage them to book a STAR Triage appointment via firstpoint. There are two Triage Sessions available to book daily
- call 999 or University Security (01905 855495) in an emergence
- encourage them to look at the external sources of help available
If your friend is reluctant to seek help, then you can still book a STAR appointment for yourself to speak to a member of our Counselling and Mental Health team to support yourself and get advice.
Student Minds provide a Look After Your Mate guide on supporting your friends through university life.
POINT FIVE: FINDING OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT…
The University’s Counselling and Mental Health Service have lots of information about self-help techniques on a wide range of topics. Have a look on their self-help webpage.
The Library’s Study Skills webpages has guides on topics such as “Managing your workload and reducing stress”, and you can also read previous blog posts from firstpoint, such as settling in and minimising stress.
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