The term ‘Mental Health’ covers a person’s wellbeing; social, psychological and emotional. It is important at all stages in our life. The World Health Organisation defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
Why is our mental health important?
Mental Health is important because it affects all areas of our lives – impacting on our ability to concentrate, learn and be successful, as well as our capacity for building and sustaining relationships. It can also impact our ability to cope with change and transitions.
How can I access wellbeing support?
Please get in touch with our Student Wellbeing Advisor, Sandra Roscoe. She can be contacted for one-one sessions to discuss your situation and if necessary, advise on who else can support you. She works part-time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For emergency situations please see relevant FAQ below.
Office: Room 323A, Royal School of Mines bulding Tel. +44 (0)20 7594 5181
Who will know if I'm accessing support?
Any support given will be confidential and discreet unless there is a concern about risk, in which case we may need to talk to your GP or include another member of staff in the department. We will always try and talk to you about this first.
Will I get in trouble with the department or College for disclosing mental health difficulties?
No, the College sees accessing support a sign of strength not something to be punished for. In fact, reaching out to support within the department may help if you have fallen behind with your studies or are not doing as well on your course as you had hoped.
Who is wellbeing support for?
The wellbeing support is for any student in the department who feels that it may benefit for them to speak to someone. Most people can benefit from talking to someone and sharing any worries they may have. It is best to access support as early as possible as waiting can make recovery much harder than it needs to be. Don’t wait for a crisis point to seek help.
What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
Coronavirus
If you have a concern related to Coronavirus or you think you may have it, please read this guidance.
What should I do if I am experiencing a Mental Health Crisis/am suicidal or am with someone who is experiencing a crisis? (UK)
Mental health crisis
If you are a student and need urgent help please contact your doctor. You can also ask to see someone at the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital. Information about your local A&E services can be found here.
Call 999 if you need help straight away.
Other urgent out of hours mental health support:
Samaritans - for people experience high levels of distress including suicidal feelings. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org, this service is 24 hours.
Nightline - offers a confidential listening, support and practical information service for students in London. They are open from 18:00 overnight to 08:00, Monday - Thursday during term. Call 0207 631 0101, text 07717 989900, or email listening@nightline.org.uk.
Shout crisis text service - offers a 24 hour text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text 85258.
Imperial College Health Centre - doctors surgery nearest to South Kensington Campus. Call 020 7584 6301 or email imperialcollege.hc@nhs.net.
Medical help
South Kensington Campus
Imperial College Health Centre has an Emergency Triage Clinic held at the Health Centre Monday - Friday between 8:30 - 10.00 whereby you can walk in without an appointment for all registered students at the South Kensington, St Mary's, Royal Brompton campus and all medical students. Please contact the Health Centre directly on +44 (0)20- 7584 6301 (24 hour telephone service).
Students currently need to register with a GP local to their residential address at this campus. Students can obtain advice on how to do so from their local pharmacy or NHS Choices or from reception at the Imperial College Health Centre.
For non- urgent situations Call 111 and speak to a highly trained NHS adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.
Crisis Lines
Students living in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hillingdon, Brent, Camden and Harrow with a mental health crisis can contact the NHS 24 hour Crisis Line number on +44 (0)800 0234 650
Students living in Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hounslow with a mental health crisis can contact the NHS 24 hour Crisis Line number on +44 (0)300 1234 244
Students living in Wandsworth with a mental health crisis can contact the NHS 24 hour Crisis Line number on +44 (0)20 3513 4421
Students living in Berkshire with a mental health crisis can contact the NHS 24 hour Crisis Line number on +44 (0)300 365 9999
Find more information about support available on the Student Support Zone pages.
What should I do if I am experiencing a Mental Health Crisis/am suicidal or am with someone who is experiencing a crisis? (International)
