Counselling

To ensure that we direct you to the appropriate service you must first book a Single Point of Access Appointment (SPA) where your needs will be assessed. These appointments can be booked via MyGateway.

If you have already been working with one of the teams mentioned then please contact them in the first instance, follow the link on team name to email them.

What is a Single Point of Access Appointment (SPA)?

• A 45 minute appointment.
• An opportunity to discuss your situation with a member of support staff.
• You will be offered advice on the day and referral to relevant support staff within student welfare.
• At the end of the appointment, you will be given an action plan of what to do next.

These appointments are available via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face to suit your needs.

Find us on Twitter @DMUwellbeing for tips and info on a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.

We usually offer from one to six appointments across one to two episodes of counselling during your time at university. Anything more than this is at the professional discretion of the wellbeing team or team leader. Appointments are offered at the same time each week if possible. This can be discussed with your counsellor.

The Wellbeing team are committed to working in partnership with students. By applying to the service, you are signing up to abide by the professional judgement of the counsellors. This may sometimes mean that it is not deemed appropriate to provide you with a service. If another service is more appropriate to your needs, you will be signposted to alternative provision.

If you have any access needs, please let us know when you apply. When you cannot attend an appointment, please cancel and give us at least 24 hours’ notice. We can then offer an appointment to another student who needs it. If you miss an appointment you will need to contact the service within 48 hours. If we don't hear from you, we will assume that you no longer require counselling. However, you can request counselling again in the future. Once your counselling has ended we will ask you to complete an evaluation survey. Your feedback is important to us.

I'm not sure what my problem is. Can I still come for counselling?

Yes; counselling can help you explore and clarify whatever is troubling you. This can be discussed in your first SPA appointment.

How many sessions will I have?

75% of students have five sessions or less. Some only need a single session depending on need. This will be discussed with you by your counsellor at your first appointment.

What if I am unable to keep or fail to attend my appointment?

Please read the section above on your responsibility for information on what to do should you be unable to attend your appointment.

Will anyone outside of the counselling service know I am coming for counselling?

Not unless you tell them. Counselling is confidential except in exceptional circumstances. If you would like to know more, read our policy on confidentiality.

I have just received a diagnosis of a mental health condition. In addition to counselling, is there anything else I can access?

Yes, of course. Lots of people do not consider their mental health a disability and will often not apply for the support that is available to them.

DSA (Disabled Student’s Allowance) is a Government support package that covers a wide range of conditions and is often overlooked by many students because of its title. There are many positives to having this DSA support in place and it can provide financial aid in many different ways.

You could be eligible to apply for DSA if you have a:

• Mental health condition; such as OCD, Anxiety or Depression
• Long-term health condition; including Crohns, Sickle Cell and Multiple Sclerosis.
• Specific learning difficulty like Dyslexia
• Neurodivergent conditions; including Autism

More information about the services available to our students can be found on our Disability Advice and Support team's webpages.

Hear from DMU students who have received DSA and how it benefitted them on our Youtube channel.

Please be aware that due to current government guidelines about social distancing some services may be affected during the pandemic.

Mindfulness

"You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." ― Jon Kabat-Zinn

Learning to focus on the now can help to improve concentration, and regular mindful practice can boost our feelings of wellbeing. At DMU we offer regular Mindfulness sessions in The Breathing Space at the back of the Portland Building.

Why not try our online sessions in mindfulness and meditation?

What students have said about DMU Mindfulness:

"Thoroughly enjoyed the session, such a different experience"

"Was very helpful with making me realise how easy it is to ground myself and de-stress"

Masterclasses

The Wellbeing Team also offer a fantastic range of HealthyDMU Masterclasses, including mindfulness and many more. These Masterclasses are an opportunity to develop life skills, such as managing pressure effectively and getting the most out of your confidence. These are available to book online via MyGateway; find the booking links in the event listing details.

VitaMinds works in partnership with the NHS to provide talking therapy services, known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). These services can help with issues such as excessive worry, low mood, anxiety, lack of motivation and depression. VitaMinds can provide advice and guidance on the best options for you.

VitaMinds is a free and confidential service. You don’t need to visit a GP to get help – simply use the self referral form on their website, or call on 0330 094 5595.

Visit the VitaMinds website for more information and for self referral.

Togetherall

Feel like you need somewhere to talk? Togetherall is a free online community, a safe place to support your mental health 24/7.

Students using their DMU email address can access free online mental health support, any time, any day. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you to explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment.

It is available 24/7 and monitored by trained clinicians. A safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health.

Go the Togetherall website for more information.

Student Space

Student Space is here for students through coronavirus and is available to all higher education students across England and Wales. Student Space is a trusted place to:

• Access confidential support via text, phone, email and webchat
• Explore online resources
• Find help available at university

Phone support

Call free on 0808 189 5260. This is a dedicated freephone number which is open from 4pm to 11pm, offering listening support, information and onward signposting for students.

Web support

Visit the website to access the Student Space webchat.

Access the webchat from 4pm to 11pm every day to talk to a trained supporter who will listen and help you talk through any issues you are experiencing.

Text support

To start a conversation via text support, text ‘STUDENT’ to 85258 for access to 24/7 support from a trained volunteer. It’s free, confidential and anonymous. Whether you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness or relationship issues, they are here to listen and support you.

Email support

Email Student Space at students@themix.org.uk to get help from a trained supporter. Whatever is causing you concern, Student Space's supporters are here to listen. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, worries about money or relationships, they can support you and help you move forward.