These FAQs are here to help you find the information you need, when you need it, but you can always contact AskBU if you’d like to talk to someone in person, by phone or email, or if you have feedback about the FAQs.
Wellbeing help and support for students
There are various health and wellbeing support services available at BU:
> Student Wellbeing - Offering a range of professional support including; support from a Wellbeing Adviser, support from a counsellor, drop-in support, and workshops
> SUBU Advice - Impartial, independent and confidential advice from specially trained members of BU's Students' Union Advice Team
> Achieve@BU – A team member in your faculty who are there if you just want a quick chat about something getting you down, or you’re struggling with a bigger issue
> Faith & Reflection Team - Available to listen to you, offer spiritual support and care, answer your questions and help you to grow. They have an open door policy and are happy to welcome you whether you have a faith or not.
> Welfare Coordinators in BU managed accommodation
> We also have a very helpful wellbeing resources section on the website which has information that you may also find helpful including signposting to external organisations.
You may also find the exceptional circumstances page of our website as this may be important in the future if you feel that your circumstances may be adversely affecting your academic performance.
Outside opening hours and during vacations
For details of our vacation periods please see the Academic dates page of our website. The following services are available 24/7 or outside of BU opening hours:
- Connection – free 24-hour local NHS crisis number – 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111
- Samaritans – free 24-hour national listening service – 116 123
- The Retreat - 4.30pm to midnight - at Hahnemann House in Bournemouth town centre
Local and online support services you can access
Student Assistance Programme - A free 24-hour confidential helpline and digital resource to support BU students with personal or student-related problems. Call 0800 028 3766 to speak to an experienced advisor who will offer support in a friendly, non-judgemental manner. You can also contact the service through call back request, email or manned live chat within the ‘My Healthy Advantage’ mobile app, available on IOS or Android.
NHS Dorset Access Mental Health - If you are struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown, Access Mental Health is there to provide help. You don’t need to be referred by your GP or other health professional, you can just reach out for help when you need it. Mental health professionals and peer support workers will be on hand to help you avoid a crisis and help you find the path to recovery.
Hub of Hope will give you accesses to lots of services within the Bournemouth area - just add in your postcode.
Some handy apps you might find useful
Pacifica: Provides daily tools for managing stress/anxiety/depression, and has been developed by psychologists to provide online treatments based on techniques such as CBT and mindfulness. (compatible with IOS & Android)
RelaxLite: Focuses on guided meditation and breathing techniques to help alleviate stress & anxiety. (compatible with IOS & Android)
Youper: Provides a personal assistant who you can message 24/7. Through talking with the personal assistant, it keeps an automated diary of day to day feelings/thoughts, and also tracks your mood. This can be used to try and determine patterns/triggers. It also gives information about what anxiety is, and the different types. (compatible with IOS & Android)