Worried about someone?

You might be worried about someone because they:

are becoming withdrawn
seem depressed
are not eating properly
have erratic behaviour, moods or sleep patterns.

If so, email us to find out what we can do to help. Our services to students are non-judgmental and confidential and, if it is a sensitive issue, we would be happy to give you advice before you do or say anything to take the situation forward. However, if the person you are worried about is at risk, or poses a risk to some one else, we would need to make sure that the right help was made available at the earliest opportunity.

Supporting you to support them

You might find it awkward or challenging to speak with someone that you are concerned about. We would advise that you:

approach any discussion informally and sensitively
start by explaining what it is you have noticed that concerns you
encourage them to contact us.

Arrange to see us

If you need guidance on how to approach a particularly sensitive issue, Student Support staff would be happy to give you advice before you do or say anything to take the situation forward.

Our services are non-judgmental and confidential. Student appointments are available at scheduled times throughout the week, all year round. These appointments are bookable from the Student Centres or by email. The appointments are for students who present with a range of issues that cannot easily be identified for one specific team or who present with non-specific needs.

We are also happy to talk to you on the phone if that is easier for you. We provide this service for students who want to talk about their own circumstances or if they have concerns about student friends.

You or another friend are very welcome to attend the appointment, if that makes the person you are worried about feel more comfortable. Alternatively, you can email the Student Support mailbox with your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Would counselling help?

We provide face-to-face and eCounselling sessions for students, which your friend may find helpful if they are feeling anxious or depressed. Find out about the counselling services available.

You may also find these websites useful:

Do they need to talk to a doctor?

You could suggest that your friend contacts their GP, if their health or wellbeing is suffering. Hopefully, they are registered with a GP. If not, they can register at their local campus health centre.

See the health and wellbeing section for top tips on how to keep safe and well. If you are worried that more immediate medical help might be needed, then don't delay - call NHS Direct on +44 (0)845 4647 for 24-hour health advice and information.

Informing the course team

Your friend may want you to contact their tutor, if their studies are not going well and they feel uncomfortable about making this contact themselves. It would be a positive step if they could start to discuss their academic concerns with a member of staff with whom they have a good rapport. The year tutor or course leader would be able to advise on the academic options available.

The course team need to know if a student is experiencing issues that are impacting on their attendance or submission of assignments. It is only through having this knowledge that they can help your friend to find the best way forward.

Alternatively, you or the student could make initial contact with their subject administrator. The administrator's details will be in the course handbook on Nottingham Trent University Online Workspace (NOW). They can give you the contact details of relevant academic staff. You may also wish to suggest that they speak to a specialist academic adviser or student writing mentor.

What if things get worse?

Contact Student Support Services Wellbeing Manager on +44 (0)115 848 6880, if you are worried that your friend's health or general well-being is deteriorating. Dial 999 in an emergency situation.