Health and wellbeing
University life can be full of ups and downs, and throughout your time here you may need someone to talk to. We have a range of support available to help you to look after your physical and mental wellbeing.
Based in the Centre for Student Life (Cathays Campus), Cardigan House (Heath Park Campus) and through Student Connect, we are available to help if you are experiencing personal, emotional or psychological difficulties, or just interested in living a healthier lifestyle.
Professional accreditation
We are accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Holistic and individualised approach
We use a holistic, individualised approach to providing psychological support, that best fits your needs.
Stonewall diversity champion
We are recognised as a Top Trans Employer and ranked 7th out of 100 employers in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2022.
How can we support you?
Our Counselling and Wellbeing Practitioners offer a wide range of support, including:
- self-help resources: information and self-help techniques via the intranet for a wide range of health and wellbeing matters that may impact your student life
- peer support: Wellbeing Champions are students who are trained to provide support and signposting to fellow students, in confidence. Talk Campus is an online, peer support community where you can connect with other students who may have had similar experiences and can relate to what you might be going through.
- workshops, courses and groups: we run a wide range of wellbeing workshops, guided self-help courses and therapeutic groups throughout the year, intended to support you with specific difficulties
- wellbeing drop-ins: these offer an opportunity to speak with a Wellbeing Practitioner briefly for same-day advice and signposting, without the need to book in advance
- one-to-one therapy appointments: our Wellbeing Practitioners and Counsellors are trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and provide initial consultations and short-term ongoing support, taking a holistic approach to providing psychological and practical support, based on your needs
- trans and non-binary support: our Trans Support Advisers offer practical support and advice for any student undergoing transition or wishing to transition whilst at University.
When I was struggling, the Wellbeing team was a truly great support and now I really want to give back and help others in the way that I was helped.
Where can you find us?
Our services are available at both the Centre for Student Life (Cathays Campus) and Cardigan House (Health Park Campus).
Our team offers both in-person and online support (using webcam, instant messaging or email), based on your preference. It is also possible to switch to a different medium for your support as desired.
We can also refer you for urgent support and help you with finding specialist support if this is needed.
Last year when I started uni in the midst of a pandemic, the importance of student mental health and wellbeing services became apparent to me. I believe it is important to start the discussion about student mental health and tackle the stigma surrounding it. I believe being a Wellbeing Champion gives a wonderful platform to put these words into action.
Occupational health
Our Occupational Health team based at Heath Park campus provide support to healthcare students in preparation for your course and placements.
We also have Park Place GP surgery if you live in the catchment area. This service is provided as a joint collaboration between us and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The Mental Health University Liaison Service
The Mental Health University Liaison Service bridges the gap between supporting your health and wellbeing and the threshold for access to NHS services. You can access this service via referral from our Student Life teams, including Student Health and Wellbeing team and the Student Disability Service, from your GP or from NHS Adult Mental Health Services within the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The team is made up of NHS Mental Health Practitioners and offer appointments virtually or in the Centre for Student Life. They offer mental health assessments, coproduction of safety plans, onward referral and signposting to other NHS, university and 3rd sector services for students presenting with moderate, long term or complex mental health needs.
The pilot launched in April 2022, and you can read the key findings in the executive summary for phase 1 of the project here.
