How are you today?
On this page you will find tips, guides, activities and support to help you with improving your own wellbeing.
To keep up-to-date with all wellbeing activities and events taking place throughout the year, you can follow the Student Life Team on Instagram at @lhu.studentlife.
Health & Wellbeing Advice
Search the topics below for support and guidance to make sure you stay healthy whilst at university.
Alcohol support
While studies show that moderate drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it is important to be aware of how much alcohol you are consuming and the effects that this can have on your health. DrinkAware has put together a Freshers' Week Survival Guide, which contains all you need to know about knowing your limits, advice before you head out, and how to enjoy yourself whilst keeping yourself safe during your night out and when you return home.
NHS "Alcohol and You" support guide (leaflet / audio)
Alcohol Support Services
Liverpool Community Alcohol Service
Website
T: 0151 529 450
The Brink
Website
T: 0151 703 0582
E: info@thebrinkliverpool.com
Forward Trust
Website
"Reach Out" web chat (Mon - Fri 9:00am-3:00pm)
Anxiety
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, which is perfectly normal. However, some people find it hard to control their worries, which can affect their daily lives. Anxiety UK has a range of free online resources which provide a number of self-help techniques to help you manage anxiety.
Bereavement
The death of a loved one can be one of the most distressing experiences that we face. Common reactions to bereavement include grief, shock, numbness, yearning, guilt and anger. In reality though each of us will grieve in our own personal way and in their own time - everyone is different.
Bereavement Support Resources
NHS Bereavement Leaflet – Provides information about how people grieve, unresolved grief, where to get help, other resources and how friends and family can help. Also includes practical things you may need to do when someone dies.
Student Space bereavement and loss resources by Student Minds helps students who have experienced a loss due to coronavirus.
Help is at Hand Booklet, put together by the organisation Support After Suicide Partnership - this booklet contains information about coping with suicide, giving support and practical help.
Bereavement Support Services
Liverpool Bereavement Services offer a dedicated service to children and adults across the Liverpool City Region.
Cruse Bereavement Care offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) provide support for those bereaved by suicide
Depression
Depression is more than feeling unhappy for a few days. Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months. If you feel like you may be suffering from depression, you should talk to your GP.
There are a number of things you can do to help yourself when you experience depression, from talking to someone you trust to keeping a mood diary. The charity Mind has put together a list of simple techniques that you may find useful.
Distraction
University is a busy time, and it can be hard to prioritise between social activities, and essay writing. It can be useful to create a working environment which is free from distractions - tidy your desk, put phones away, and schedule regular breaks. Have a look at the tips from Save the Student on how to turn distraction into productivity.
Drug support
Be in the know when it comes to drugs. There are lots of reasons why people take drugs and whilst you're at university, you may find that people are using recreational drugs like MDMA, ketamine or cocaine. If you’ve not taken drugs before then there’s no reason to start now.
If you do feel like you need some support, your doctor is a good place to start. FRANK also have a list of online factsheets about different drugs and the effects they have.
Drug support services
We Are With You Liverpool
T: 0151 706 7888 (Liverpool Central)
T: 0151 541 2856 (Liverpool South)
Website
Cocaine Anonymous Liverpool
T: 0800 612 0225
E: helpine@cauk.org.uk
Talk to Frank
Eating disorders
Anybody can develop an eating disorder. People suffering with this use disordered eating to cope with a difficult situation or feeling. If you are struggling with eating, it is important to find the right support. The ‘Recovery Record’ app can assist with building coping strategies, and ‘Beat’ can provide support via online services and a helpline.
Eating well
A healthier diet does not only improve your physical health, but also mental wellbeing. Eating well can improve your energy levels, as well as motivation. Save the Student has some great tips for making healthy meals on a budget, as well as recipes and shopping lists.
Gambling
Gambling isn’t always a problem; however, the risk of addiction is something to watch out for. Signs of a gambling addiction include a regular impulse to gamble, regularly borrowing money, and neglecting other responsibilities to gamble. Recognising an addiction is the first step. Please see the Gamcare website for more support.
Further gambling support
GamCare – Provide free, confidential advice and support. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133
GAMSTOP - By signing up to GAMSTOP you can block yourself from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain for a period of your choosing, for free. Registration video
GamBan - Blocking software to block gambling apps from your devices.
Gamblers Anonymous - Get support from others also struggling with gambling.
YGAM - YGAM have a student hub with information about gambling specifically created for students.
RecoverMe - A free app that helps you manage a gambling problem from your pocket.
GPs and Dentists
We encourage all students to register with a local doctor (GP) or Medical Practice whilst they are studying at Liverpool Hope.
The University has good working relations with a number of local GP surgeries. If you are a residential student then we would recommend you register with the following practices below. (When registering, please make sure you include your flat number and hall block).
Islington House Medical Centre - Creative Campus (Gerard Manley Hopkins). Register here
Valley Medical Centre - Newman, Wesley and Teresa Halls. Register here
Rutherford Medical Centre - Kitty Wilkinson, Oscar Romero, Josephine Bakhita, Catherine Booth, St Julie’s, and Josephine Butler Halls. Register here
Urgent Treatment Centres and Walk-In Centres
There are a number of urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and walk-in centres (WICs) across Merseyside. If you need same day urgent care, please contact www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and they’ll know the best service for your treatment need.
You can also turn up to any of the UTCs and WICs without an appointment.
Further information about urgent treatment centres and walk-in centres.
Other NHS Services
Details of other local GPs, dentists, and other NHS services are available on the NHS website.
Homesickness
It is normal to miss home whilst you are at university, especially if it is the first time you have been away for a long period of time. Save The Student have put together a list of 10 ways to deal with homesickness.
Imposter syndrome
Many students often encounter the feeling of imposter syndrome - and may feel like they are not supposed to be at university. It is important to remember to celebrate your place at Hope, you have achieved something great by being here. Action for Happiness runs a free online course titled “10 keys to Happiness" which can help you learn simple daily actions that can give you a boost and help you feel happier within yourself.
Loneliness and isolation
Feeling lonely or isolated at university is common. This can cause you to be anxious, or withdraw from social situations. If you’re feeling lonely, it’s important to recognise this and put things in place to support yourself. Check out the Mental Health Foundation's "Student Guide to Loneliness".
Online safety
As more and more of our lives now revolve around staying connected digitally information is saved and shared online, it is important to manage your online safety and keep your data safe and secure.
Internet Safety and Privacy
We all use the Internet for a variety of purposes: social media, online banking, shopping, and education. However, you must use the internet safely to protect yourself against computer crime and security risks.
Learn about internet safety and privacy
Online safety for mobile devices
Scams and phishing emails
There are a wide variety of online scams on the internet, so it’s important to be aware of when you are being scammed and when you aren’t.
How to recognise scams and phising emails
Sextortion
'Sextortion' is a form of blackmail. It involves threatening to publish sexual information, photos or videos about someone. This may be to extort money or to force the victim to do something against their will. Photos or recordings are often made without the victim realising or consenting.
Criminals often target people through dating apps, social media, webcams or pornography sites. They may use a fake identity to befriend you online and then threaten to send images to your family and friends. Sextortion can be committed by individuals but organised crime gangs are usually behind it.
What to do if you've been targeted
- If it is happening now – Call the police on 999
- If this has happened recently – Call the police on 101
- Do not pay any money
- Stop communicating with the person immediately
- Report to your internet service provider
- Screengrab and write down as much information as possible (see below for more info)
- Full details can be found on the National Crime Agency’s website.
Confidential help and support are available at the University from the following places: Student Life: Studentlife@hope.ac.uk or your Wellbeing Assistant in your halls residentiallife@hope.ac.uk
Physical activity
It’s recommended that all Adults should do some type of physical activity every day. Exercise just once or twice a week can improve your mood, lower anxiety levels, and increase your energy.
Sport at Hope
There are a number of sports clubs and societies that you can join or get involved with to help increase your physical activity and they’re also great for making friends and improving your social life. You can check out what clubs and societies are available on the SU website.
Hope Park Sports
Hope Park Sports is the University's on-site sports complex. There are no monthly fees - a single yearly registration fee of £25 is all that is required and then the gym facilities, courts and fitness classes are all free for you to try out.
Relationships and sexual health
Being at university is a time where new relationships are often forged, and it’s important that during this time you look after your sexual health, and make sure you are accurately informed before making any decisions.
Healthy relationships
There are many different types of relationships, whether they be platonic or romantic. Remember, there is no one right type of relationship – it just has to feel right to all of the people involved. You can find more information about healthy relationships by visiting LoveIsRespect.org.
Consent
Sexual consent is when a person has the freedom to agree to sexual activity; it’s your body and it's your decision whether or not to have sex. Nobody can or should force you into doing anything you're not sure about or ready for.
All students have access to a free online "Consent Matters" course, run by Epigeum. The course consists of 3 modules and is designed to help all students understand sexual consent, promote effective communication and respectful relationships, and empower students to be active bystanders.
Here is how you can access the course.
- Visit the Epigeum courses registration page.
- Complete the registration using your Hope email address and enter the token c27ba499 in the relevant field of the registration form.
- Once registered, you can access the Consent Matters programme in the My Courses section, which can be found in the drop-down user menu on the home screen.
AXESS Sexual Health
AXESS sexual health provides free services across Liverpool, Knowsley, Cheshire East, Warrington and Halton. Please visit their website for up-to-date information on how to access your nearest service. You can also order free online postal STI tests as well as requesting free condoms via post. (STI tests and condoms will be sent in plain packaging).
Sleeping problems
Sleep problems are very common and are often referred to as insomnia. Not getting a good night's sleep can become very distressing, which can then make it harder to get off to sleep. There could be a number of reasons why sleep problems can develop.
Try and get into a routine of going to bed and getting up at regular times. Monitor your alcohol and caffeine intake, particularly during the afternoon. Avoid using electronic devices or reducing your exposure to blue light in the hour before bedtime.
Smoking and Vaping
Quitting smoking can have a dramatic impact on your health and your finances. Some of the benefits are immediate and some are more long-term.
Quitting smoking timeline
- 20 mins - Blood pressure and heart rate return to normal
- By 12 hours - Carbon Monoxide levels return to normal
- By 48 hours - Lungs start to clear out tar and mucus caused by smoking
- After 48 hours - no nicotine is left in the body and ability to smell and taste is improved
- After 72 hours - you will notice an increase in energy levels and physical activity will become easier.
Getting some support
NHS Smokefree Helpline
T: 0300 123 1044 (Mon-Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 4pm.)
Smokefree Liverpool
T: 0800 061 4212
Spiking
‘Spiking’ is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or their body without their knowledge and/or consent.
There are several reasons why someone might decide to ‘spike’ another person with alcohol or drugs. It might be as a ‘prank’ or a ‘joke’, or to make it easier for them to commit a crime or form of violence or sexual violence against them, including:
- rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault or sexual abuse
- non-sexual physical assault
- robbery
Whatever the motive, spiking is never funny. It can make a person extremely vulnerable and ill, and have a lasting impact on their life and wellbeing.
Be Spike Aware
Anyone – Spiking happens to one in 10 students.
Any drink – Remember, any drink can be spiked, regardless of whether it's alcoholic.
Anywhere – Spiking can happen anywhere – clubs, pubs, festivals, or even at a house party or in halls of residence.
Spiking symptoms
The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you’ve been spiked with. Symptoms could include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Feeling sleepy
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
If you or a friend start to feel strange or drunker than you should be, then get help straight away.
How to avoid spiking
- Never leave your drink unattended, whether it’s alcoholic or not.
- Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- Avoid drinking too much by sticking to the UK's low-risk drinking guidelines.
- Stick together with friends, and look out for each other.
What to do if you are a victim of spiking?
If you have been a victim of spiking, support is available. You should always contact the police by calling 999 in an emergency or you can report any spiking incidents via their online reporting form.
If medical support is needed then attend your local A&E or call an ambulance if necessary.
Safe Place is Merseyside’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre. They offer forensic medical examinations for anyone who has been sexually assaulted.
T: 0151 295 3550 (24 hours, 365 days).
Student Life provides a confidential, professional student counselling service to help any student who has been affected by spiking.
Stress
At university, you may feel stressed from your studies. It is important to take things slow and find a study method which works for you. Talk to your tutors for advice, and get together with coursemates. Make sure to plan your time efficiently, so you are able to take breaks and time for yourself.
NHS Stress support guide (leaflet / audio).
Frazzled Cafe is an organisation that allows people to come together and connect with others in a safe, supportive space. It is a place where people could talk about the overwhelming stresses of modern life, free from judgement. From 7th November, they will be running a face-to-face meeting every Tuesday evening at Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre, Chester Avenue, Netherton, L30 1QW. Booking is required to attend their meetings (Book here).
Vaccinations
All students are strongly encouraged to make sure that they are up-to-date with their vaccinations before starting university.
Meningitis
If you are under 25 years of age before starting at university, have you been vaccinated against meningitis in preparation? Cases of meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia) caused by a highly virulent strain of meningitis bacteria have been rising since 2009 and although relatively rare, when they do occur the effects can be very serious and sometimes fatal.
Measles and mumps
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious complications and can be fatal in rare cases. Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that is on the increase in universities. Although serious complications are rare, mumps can lead to viral meningitis if the virus moves into the outer layer of the brain.
Covid-19
Covid-19 has not gone away and reported cases are still very common. The virus is easily spread and can lead to serious complications in certain individuals. Why students are at risk? You are at increased risk of catching such illnesses whilst at university because you will be mixing closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly be carrying viruses and bacteria. It is important to protect yourself, whilst at the same time the wider university community, by getting vaccinated.
How to protect yourself
Meningitis: The Government provides a meningitis vaccination programme for all 18 - 25 year-olds (called the meningitis ACWY vaccine). If you haven't been vaccinated recently (or can't remember whether you have or not) and you will be under 25 years before starting at university, it is important that you contact your GP to arrange vaccination, ideally at least two weeks before starting university.
Covid-19: You can arrange to be vaccinated via your GP.
Measles and Mumps: The best protection against measles and mumps is to ensure that you have had the MMR vaccine. MMR is the common name given to the mumps, measles and rubella vaccination. The MMR vaccine is available free to anyone who has not received two doses as a child. If you haven’t had both doses, you should arrange a free catch-up vaccination as soon as possible, ideally before coming to university. You can check with your GP to find out whether you are protected.
More information about meningitis, mumps, measles, and the MMR vaccine can be found here: