Blue Monday is a term given to the third Monday each January. It’s allegedly the one day of the year that most people are down in the dumps. Whether that’s because our New Year resolutions have failed by this point, we might be coming to terms with our bank balance post-Christmas or simply because we’re fed up of the unpredictable cold weather and having to get out of bed in the morning while it’s still dark.
Your SU cares, so to mark this day (and hopefully brighten it up a bit) we’ll be giving out freebies from 1pm in the big room. Come down, pick up some goodies and have a chat with your friendly SU team.
But we’re not just here for you for one day of the year. Student life can be challenging and it’s ok not to feel ok.
You never need to feel like you’re alone, here’s a list of support services available to you as a University of Plymouth student to help you cope with a range of issues:
As a member of the Students' Union you have free access to an advice centre that can support you with a variety of issues, including:
- Academic
- Accommodation
- Money
- Student Finance
- Wellbeing
Our team of friendly advisors have experience in dealing with all types of student enquiries so you can be rest assured that you will get the right information.
Most importantly the Advice Centre is not part of the University, we can therefore provide free, independent and confidential advice, so you can talk to us in confidence, knowing that nothing will be shared with anyone if you don’t want it to be.
Find out more about how your SU can support you by clicking here.
Big White Wall is a 24/7 online community offering professional support from trained counsellors. It provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
It's totally anonymous, so no one will know you’ve chosen to use it unless you tell them.
To join, simply go to bigwhitewall.com and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your university e-mail address.
The University provides a wealth of support to support your studies, health and wellbeing including:
For a full list of student support services offered by the University of Plymouth click here.
Helplines:
- Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year. They respond to a call for help every 6 seconds. If you want to speak to someone anonymously, without judgement or pressure – the Samaritans are there for you. Find out more.
- Switchboard
Offering support to the LGBT+ community. Help with whatever you want to talk about – nothing is off limits. Find out more.
- MindLine Trans+
A confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Trans, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary, calls are taken by Trans and non-binary volunteers. Find out more.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. They offer a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more.
Mental Health Support & Resources:
- NHS: Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters exists to help you manage and maintain your mental health. It offers simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting mood or sleeping better. Find out more.
- Mind
When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information - about a condition, treatment options, or practical issues - is vital. Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Find out about Devon Mind here.
Local Support Services:
- Head Space
Head Space offers an out-of-hours service for people who consider that they are approaching a mental health crisis. The service provides a non-clinical setting with a safe and structured environment, where individuals can go to access peer support. Find out more.
- The Harbour Centre
Harbour exists to help anyone, including family and friends, affected by the misuse of drugs and alcohol by providing information, education, assessment and care co-ordination. Find out more.
- The Zone
A charity which provides free and confidential information and support to young people on a drop in basis 6 days a week on information around housing, sexual health and mental health and the options available to them. Find out more.
- Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS) and Refuge
A practical, non-judgmental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. Find out more.