Other sources of support

Besides the support offered by our Student Health and Wellbeing teams, there are a number of other organisations and services available to help you.

These providers are a mix of external and internal to the university and offer specialist advice and guidance on a range of issues.

Helplines 

Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If something's troubling you, get in touch:

  • Telephone the Cardiff branch: +44 (0)29 2034 4022 (local call charges apply)
  • National telephone: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
  • Email Samaritans: jo@samaritans.org

Visit the Cardiff branch:

Samaritans Canton

75 Cowbridge Road East

Canton

Cardiff

CF11 9AF

Usual hours open to receive callers at the door:

  • Monday: 15:00-21:00
  • Tuesday: 9:00-21:00
  • Wednesday: 9:00-21:00
  • Thursday: 9:00-21:00
  • Friday: 12:00-21:00
  • Saturday: 12:00-15:00
  • Sunday: 9:00-21:00.

HOPELINE247

Papyrus HOPELINE247 provide 24/7 confidential support and practical advice for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.

Chaplaincy 

Chaplaincy can help you to talk through issues that are worrying you, including bereavement, loneliness, problems with relationships or your course, in an informal, relaxed setting. You do not have to be a person of faith to talk to a chaplain.

The Chaplaincy provides a place for friendship, hospitality, reflection, prayer, support and dialogue, offering opportunities for you to engage socially and to explore faith and spirituality, if that is what you are looking for.

You can make an appointment by emailing chaplaincy@cardiff.ac.uk.

Students' Union advice service 

Students' Union advice service provides advice and information on the following areas, independent of the University:

Mental health support outside the University 

Mental health support outside the University:

Mental health support through the medium of Welsh 

myf.cymru is a mental health and wellbeing resource aimed at Welsh speaking higher education students studying in Wales and beyond.

This resource was developed by Bangor University in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Aberystwyth University and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The resources were funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW).

It has been identified that there is a shortage of mental health and wellbeing resources specifically for students through the medium of Welsh. Since the scheme’s inception, gaining input and insight from students and Student Union’s has been crucial, to ensure the resources are suitable and relevant.

Welsh speaking students across Wales and beyond have had input into the development of the resources - from providing feedback on the design, to the website structure to creating original content.

Access hwb myf to find out about all the resources on offer.

Cardiff and Vale Drug and Alcohol Service 

Cardiff and Vale Drug and Alcohol Service (CAVDAS) is a single point of entry for anyone who feels that they have an issue with any substance in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. CAVDAS staff will provide you with a free and confidential appointment to explore your options.

To talk to someone about accessing help in Cardiff and the Vale for yourself a friend or a family member, you can contact CAVDAS via:

You can also attend a CAVDAS drop-in at Centre for Student Life, available fortnightly on Mondays from 14 October 2024.

Help with problem gambling 

Ara Gambling Services is a trusted partner of GamCare and is a FREE specialised counselling service, supporting those who are affected by problem gambling. Our service can support you during term time as well as when you return home.

Do you recognise any of the following:

  • uncontrolled spending
  • significant time spent gambling
  • concealing or lying about gambling behaviour
  • gambling impacting on relationships with family and friends
  • withdrawal from activities
  • spending excessive time on a computer
  • no apparent interests or leisure pursuits
  • absence from university.

If gambling is getting in the way of the life you want to live, please contact us for FREE confidential support and counselling.

During the lockdown it has been reported that more people have ended self-exclusion schemes that stop them accessing online gambling. We know that contributing factors to the addiction, such as financial distress, isolation and boredom  increased during the lockdown.

Ara Gambling Service continues to provide support during this unprecedented time. Visit our website for further information.

The referral process is easy. You can call: +44 (0)3301 340286 or e-mail: aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk. Alternatively a referral can be arranged via Cardiff University Counselling and Wellbeing service.

If you require immediate assistance, call the GamCare National Helpline on +44 (0)80 8802 0133 (free phone) which is open 24/7.

You can find more advice and support for dealing with problem gambling, and specific support if you are affected by another's gambling, in our self-help resources.

Support for young parents 

The Advice and Money team provide a lot of financial advice/support to student parents.

Within Cardiff, Barnardo’s have a few schemes whereby they support young parents/families, providing 1-2-1 support as well as courses, groups and housing - this may be something which we can refer single parents to for more information/to access support.

There is also a charity called Gingerbread, registered in England and Wales, which specifically supports single parents.

Support for students affected by the death of a child or young person 

2 Wish Upon A Star support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. They support immediate family, extended family, friends, colleagues, witnesses and professionals who may all have been affected by the death.

They are able to provide immediate support, counselling, complementary therapy, play therapy and young people’s counselling, focus support groups, monthly events and residential weekends.

Those bereaved and wanting to access support are often referred by a professional - however, they welcome self-referrals too.

Those bereaved need to be able to grieve in their own way, in their own time and, therefore, they do not put a time limit on grief. Whether the death occurred yesterday, or years ago, if you feel that now is the right time for you to access support, please contact them anytime on +44 (0)1443 853125 or via email: support@2wishuponastar.org

Support if you were adopted as a child 

If you are seeking emotional support as a result of being adopted as a child, the government has clear guidelines that state that this must be provided by a registered adoption support agency.

You can find details of these agencies on this government website.

Adopt Cymru also provide information on local services.

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