Crisis support and information

In a life-threatening emergency

If you or another person is in immediate danger or there is a risk to life, call 999 immediately. 

  • After then, notify on-site security to ensure emergency services can access the building: 

  • Someone (ideally a member of staff/guardian) should stay with the person until professional help arrives.

In a serious but not life-threatening situation, call 111 (available 24/7) or visit NHS 111 online for advice and guidance. 

If you are unsure what NHS service to use or when to see a doctor, the NHS Symptom checker may be helpful. 

In a mental health crisis

If you or another person is in a mental health crisis, call the local NHS First Response Service (FRS) on 111 and select option 2 access.

The service is available within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Recognising a mental health crisis

A mental health crisis looks different for different people.

Signs might include: 

  • increased thoughts about life not being worth living   
  • feeling unable to cope 
  • thinking about harming yourself or someone else 
  • having made a plan or preparations to take your life
  • feeling hopeless 

If you’re not experiencing a mental health crisis but need urgent support, contact your NHS GP practice and ask for an urgent appointment.

Additional support

There’s a wide range of external support available for different urgent situations.
Click on a heading below to find out more.

The following services are all free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

  • The Samaritans is a UK and Ireland-based charity that provides confidential listening and emotional support to people experiencing distress or despair, including suicidal thoughts.
  • Shout is text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Crisis support

  • Lifeline is a crisis and support helpline.
  • Nightline is student-run listening and information service.
  • The Stay Alive app provides practical information and tools to help you, or someone you're worried about, stay safe during a crisis.
  • The DistrACT app is a support tool that provides information and links for people who self-harm or may have suicidal thoughts.

Ongoing support, counselling or wellbeing services:

  • Qwell is a free online wellbeing service for adults in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
  • Keep Your Head provides information on mental health and wellbeing services and support in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Self-help / informational resources

  • To report a crime that does not need an emergency response, contact the local police on 101.  
  • CrimeStoppers UK is an independent charity that allows people to report crime 100% anonymously,
  • True Vision is a police-funded website offering advice and resources on hate crime and how to report it.
  • To report inappropriate behaviour from staff, students, or members of the University community, use the University’s formal reporting options to raise your concern. Examples of inappropriate behaviour include:
    • Harassment
    • Bullying
    • Discrimination
    • Sexual misconduct

The Harassment and Violence Support Service (HVSS) supports students who have experienced any form of sexual harassment, sexual violence or intimate partner abuse.