FAQs
If you don't see your question below or would like more information please don't hesitate to contact one of us, we're always happy to help!
Which service should I approach?
What if I'm worried about a friend?
Can I get academic help/support from you?
What if I don't connect with the person I'm talking to?
How much will it cost?
All of our services are free; you won't even pay to call Niteline from your mobile. Other services do not have freephone numbers but you can ask us to call you back or can contact us by email instead. You will never be charged for a meet-up or a conversation.
How does this actually work?
All you have to do is to contact us - we'll help you from there! We're all very friendly and informal, so whichever service you come to will give you the time and space to say what's on your mind, and to ask any questions. We're here to support you so you get to say what you do and don't want to happen, and no one will push you in a particular direction. It is honestly as simple as arranging a meet-up or making a phone call and just talking about whatever you'd like to say.
Which service should I approach?
You can approach one or a number of our services at the same time, nobody's counting! We all hold the same beliefs around confidentiality, listening and empathy; the difference is around structure. If you would rather speak to someone anonymously or would rather hold a conversation online then Niteline is for you. If you'd like to meet another student for informal support try Student2Student. If you feel advocacy is required and/or you would prefer to talk to someone with a more official role you can approach the GSU or the SU for support. Just because we're run differently and have slightly different remits doesn't mean we don't work together - we're happy to talk through all other services if you're not sure what's what or who to go to, but we will never give your details or discuss your situation with each other without your express consent. In other words, if you're not sure who to talk to first just make sure you're talking to someone - we'll make sure you find the best service for you!
How will talking help?
We're big believers in the power of talking, especially in the power of talking to a good listener! You've probably heard all the sayings like "a problem shared is a problem halved" and "get it off your chest"... They exist because people have always found it helpful to talk things through, and to have some company when they're going through a tough time, feeling a bit stressed or just not sure what to do next. We can offer you information about services who could give you more practical assistance if they're relevant to your situation, and we can help you to explore options, but we never force a solution on you and don't always think about what the answer is. Sometimes it's helpful just to unload, and that's what we're all about. If you're not convinced, why not just give it a go? You may be surprised!
What if I'm worried about a friend?
Please come and talk to us about any concerns you have about friends or family members. You might need some information to help them find support, you may wish to support them yourself but either way it's really useful to be able to explain to someone impartial what's going on, and to get some help yourself; if you're trying to support someone and/or to get them the help they need it's essential you get some support for yourself as well, so please don't feel shy about talking to us and letting us help you!
Can I get academic help/support from you?
The SU and the GSU may be able to offer some assistance, depending on your query. By all means come and talk to us about what you need in terms of academic support, and we may be able to refer you on to the appropriate service. None of us are able to offer free grinds or tuition, but we can point you in the direction of free campus resources and private tutors who may be able to assist.
What if I don't connect with the person I'm talking to?
Don't worry, we don't expect anybody to be able to get along with everyone - that's just not the way life works. All of our volunteers and officers are trained to listen empathically to what you're saying and to try to understand where you're coming from and what you feel, but if you don't feel completely comfortable talking to someone for any reason at all then please just say. We won't be offended - we're here to help you find whatever works for you. If you want to talk to someone else from the same service or want to try a different service entirely we'll help you to do that - just let us know what you need!