If you need support over the Christmas break there's a whole range of different services available
Christmas is generally viewed as a time many of us look forward to, whether that's due to the holiday itself or the break from work or studying that comes with it. However, Christmas can also be a difficult time, it's important to remember you are not alone. There is a range of services available here at the University of Portsmouth as well as external services that can help make this time of year easier.
Student Wellbeing Service
The Student Wellbeing Service will continue to offer support via advice sessions up until mid-day on December 23rd. Just call 023 9284 3466 or email wellbeing-admin@port.ac.uk. The service will then close and reopen on January 3rd. If you find yourself in need of urgent support over the closure period, please access the resources here.
There are also other services available during this time:
Residence Life
If you are staying in Portsmouth over the Christmas break and need advice, support or just to link up with other people in the same situation, you can email reslife@port.ac.uk. They are also providing entertainment and activities throughout December.
Chaplaincy
During the university Christmas closure an on-call Chaplain will be available for urgent support. You can contact them via the security lodge on 023 92843418 and ask to speak to the on-call chaplain. You can also email chaplains@port.ac.uk (this inbox is checked every morning).
WhatsUp App
Free app for UoP students, supported by our Student Wellbeing Advisors - you can text message our advisors during office hours. Posts will not be monitored or responded to during the Christmas closure period - mid-day on Dec 23 until Jan 4th - but if you are in crisis you can access support from external providers via phone or text through the SOS function on the app.
Student Space
This service provides resources and info to support you in managing your mental health.They offer 24/7 access to text support, webchat and a helpline you can call free any day between 3pm-12 pm: 0808 189 5260.
Be your own Best friend
This Student Wellbeing Service Moodle resource looks at ways we can learn to be more compassionate to ourselves and to others and break out of any destructive cycles of self-criticism.
Kooth
This is a free live 24/7 text-based service for under 25 year olds available to students living in Portsmouth. You can have access to a one-off chat with a counsellor, take part in online forums with peers, access self-help resources and set up ongoing counselling online.
The Harbour
The Harbour is an informal out-of-hours mental health service for everyone over the age of 18 in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and East Hampshire, who needs short-term support in timed of great difficulty or is struggling with poor mental health. The Harbour is open from 4:30pm – 11pm. Find out more here. You can call them on 07418 364911.