The Wellbeing and Mental Health team are here for you throughout your studies. They can provide help and support on any issue which may be impacting on your studies. Appointments can take place over telephone, MS Teams, or in person at some sites.
Student Wellbeing Advisers
Student Wellbeing Advisers have a broad knowledge of university processes and the support options available. Appointments can last up to 45 minutes, and advice will vary depending on your situation, but will always be guided by you and tailored to your needs.
During this appointment you can talk about anything that may be affecting your wellbeing or studies; the Adviser will listen, give advice, and support options, and will create a personalised action plan to support you in your next steps.
Mental Health Advisers
Mental Health Advisers support students who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress that is impacting upon their university experience. Appointments can last up to an hour, and advice will vary depending on your situation, but will always be guided by you and tailored to your needs.
During this appointment, Advisers can facilitate self-help, educate around managing mental health and develop safety plans, as well as link in with local mental health services.
Duty Support
In more urgent circumstances, we offer same-day appointments with an Adviser from the Wellbeing and Mental Health team. This service is used for students facing a pressing situation, for example a student who is experiencing thoughts of suicide, at risk of homelessness or is a survivor of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Networks and sessions
In addition to our one-to-one support, we also host a number of Student Peer Support Networks. Our networks are safe spaces for students who may have a shared background or be going through similar experiences to connect, support, and share tips and information with each other.
We currently have the following networks:
- Student Parent Support Network
- Student Menopause Network
- Student LGBTQ+ Network
- Men’s Network
- Care Experienced Peer Support Group
- Estranged Students Peer Support Group
- Carer Peer Support Group
- Refugee Peer Support Group
We also offer group-based sessions, on a range of supportive topics, throughout the academic year. Click here to view upcoming sessions and to find out more about our student networks.
Contact us
To find out more, or ask about booking an appointment, please email our Student Services Helpdesk at studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511550. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4pm.
Our Wellbeing and Mental Health Portal page also contains lots of useful additional information.
Student Counselling
Counsellors offer the opportunity to talk about your concerns and share your problems in a safe and supportive environment. After a 50-minute consultation, we will help you decide on the next steps. We offer up to six 50-minute one-to-one therapy sessions either with a University Counsellor or a Student Assistance Programme Counsellor. We can also signpost you to partner agencies, if that’s more appropriate for your needs.
During the appointment, Counsellors can talk through the issues you’re experiencing and explore coping strategies and techniques for managing your mood. They can address any personal or emotional problems which may impact your time at the University.
You can self-refer by emailing our Student Services Helpdesk at studentservices@chester.ac.uk or calling 01244 511550. We’ll then send you an online form to fill in and return, which is a good opportunity for you to explain what’s troubling you.
Student Assistance Programme
Our Student Assistance Programme (SAP) offers additional support alongside our university services. It provides you with immediate advice and practical guidance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sometimes, simply talking through your issues with someone, in the moment, can be a great relief. Call the 24/7 helpline for free: 0800 028 3766 to talk through any problem. Support includes counselling, exploring mental health concerns and also the option to obtain guidance on personal, financial and legal matters.
If English isn’t your first language, SAP also provides a language line which connects you to an interpreter so you can chat in your preferred language.
Wisdom app
Anxious about talking on the phone? You can access support via Live Chat on the Wisdom app.
Free for all students, the Wisdom app provides a Live Chat feature so you can receive virtual support when a Counsellor is online and available.
On the app you’ll also find lots of useful wellbeing and mental health features, including:
- Wellbeing trackers
- Mini health checks
- Four-week structured health plans
- Access to lots of useful videos and podcasts, including yoga workouts, recipe ideas and guided meditation.
Download it from your app store (App Store, Play Store) and enter the code MHA 146072 to get started.
The University of Chester is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment. We value equality and diversity and promote respect.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour such as harassment, discrimination, sexual violence, abuse, bullying or hate crime you can report it using our simple reporting tool: Report a Concern.
All of this support is available free of charge to all students at the University.
Our Data Processing and Privacy Notice describes how and why we collect and use personal information about you: Privacy Statement.