Directing you to key contact points, resources and organisations who can help in the event of a crisis or emergency.
Immediate danger or risk to life
If you or another person is in immediate danger or there is risk to life, please do not hesitate to contact emergency services via 999 (police, fire or ambulance services).
Once you have contacted the appropriate emergency or crisis service, please inform College or University staff who can offer help to you and/or other students.
NHS support: medical or mental health crises
In a mental health crisis, you can dial 111 and select option 2 to access the local NHS First Response Service for mental health crisis. The service is available within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 24/7, 365 days a year.
During daytime hours, you can contact your NHS GP practice to request an urgent appointment or access help or information. NHS medical advice and help is available 24/7 by dialling 111.
In an emergency where there is immediate risk to safety or life, please do not delay on contacting 999 or 111 in the first instance. College and University services are not emergency services in lieu of the appropriate NHS, Police, Fire or Ambulance services, however staff are available to help you:
During daytime hours:
- During the day please notify your College’s pastoral team in the event of a crisis, emergency or concern for the health or safety of any student. Your College’s website will detail contact points for the team, which may include the College wellbeing staff, nurse, porters, Senior Tutor, chaplain or dean.
- The University’s counselling service is located at the Student Services Centre (SSC) on Bene't St (CB2 3PT) and the SSC’s telephone contact is +44 (0)1223 332865. Staff can help with information, coordination or arranging appointments for support.
On evenings, nights or weekends:
- Please seek assistance via your College’s porters, whether by phone or at the Porter’s Lodge.
- For incidents in University premises you can call the University Security Office on +44 (0)1223 767444. The University Security Control Centre provides a 24/7 security operation and is the focal point for emergencies and incidents across the University estate.
- If you are in immediate danger or in need of immediate medical attention, please call the emergency services on 999. To report a non-emergency crime or hate crime, you can contact the police by dialling 101.
- You can seek assistance via your College’s porters, whether by phone or at the Porter’s Lodge.
- For incidents in University premises you can call the University Security Office on +44 (0)1223 767444. The University Security Control Centre provides a 24/7 security operation and is the focal point for emergencies and incidents across the University estate.
- You can report any form of harassment, abuse, discrimination or concerns to the University via Report + Support. Please note Report + Support does not offer emergency response. You can enter a report with contact details or anonymously.
- You can report hate crime anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK.
We are here to support victims/survivors of sexual violence, which includes sexual assault, harassment, gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse. For fuller information, guidance and contact points for support please see our Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service page. In an emergency, crisis or if you feel at risk of harm:
- If you or someone else feel at risk right now and/or if you are injured then you can call the emergency services on 999.
- You can also go to your Porter’s Lodge and they will be able to assist you. For incidents in University premises you can call the University Security Office on +44 (0)1223 767444.
Key messages for you, if you have experienced sexual misconduct, harassment or violence:
- It was not your fault.
- You are not alone; you deserve to feel supported and believed.
- You have a choice in what you do next and what is right for you.
- You can get support from trusted friends and family and/or professional support.
- You can get support from the Sexual Harassment and Violence Advisor (SHVA) here at the University.
- You can get external support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) at Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre.
- You can go to The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), for a forensic medical examination where they can store evidence for you while you make your mind up about reporting. You may be able to get support with transport to the SARC from your college.
- You can report the incident to the police if you choose to do so, including anonymously.
- You can report any incidents of sexual violence or harassment to the University; you don’t have to do this, but if you do, we can direct you to appropriate confidential support and help with any adjustments to your study.
- You can contact the Samaritans service in Cambridge, who offer both in-person services (see link for opening hours) or you can call Samaritans any time 24/7, 365 days a year for free by dialling 116 123.
- If you would like to speak to someone out of hours during term time, you can also contact the University Nightline service (anonymously by live chat, call, email or skype).
- Lifecraft is a user-led organisation for adults in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area who have experience of mental health difficulties in their lives. They offer a range of services including Lifeline, a Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mental health helpline contactable between 11am to 11pm every day. Freephone: 0808 808 2121.
- Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. The service is run by trained volunteers, under the supervision of Clinical Supervisors. To access shout, text 85258.
- Switchboard: LGBTQ+ Helpline. Switchboard’s helpline provides an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people. To access Switchboard between 10am to 10pm, call 0300 330 0630.