We know that sometimes you might need a little extra support or help to protect your mental health and wellbeing. Whether you are a student or a staff member, your mental wellbeing is our top priority here at SMB College Group.

In addition to the Student Services team, who are here to support you during college hours, we've compiled a list of alternative resources and contacts below, which you may find helpful.

Please remember, we are here to support you with whatever you need. 

  • Counselling Services

    College Support

    SMB College Group has an experienced and approachable Mental Health Practitioner who is able to talk over any concerns you may have in total confidence, whether they are course-related or personal. Please pop over to the Student Services desk at your relevant campus, and they will be able to refer you for this service. 

    National Support - Kooth

    Free, safe and anonymous online counselling support for young people.

    www.kooth.com

  • Out-of-hours or Text Support

    Young Minds Crisis Messenger

    While our Student Services team will always do whatever they can to support you, sometimes you may prefer an anonymous source of support, or require immediate support outside of college hours.

    The YoungMinds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.

    They know that finding the right support is important, especially if you need someone to talk to right now. They aim to connect every texter to a trained volunteer promptly to provide crisis help. They will listen to you and help you think more clearly, enabling you to take the next steps towards feeling better.

    www.youngminds.org.uk

  • NHS Health For Teens Guide

    Making sense of coronavirus and facing the uncertainty of when life will return to normal can be difficult to think about and deal with. If you’re struggling to cope, feeling down, or more worried than usual, help is at hand. 

    Below you can download a guide featuring a number of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland services that can provide information, advice and support on your feelings and mental health.

    Download the guide

  • Other Local Services

    Let’s Talk Wellbeing

    Let’s Talk Wellbeing is available in Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Leicester City and Leicestershire and Rutland, offering a talking therapy service.

    T: 01509 561 100

    More information 

    Mental Health Matters

    Mental Health Matters provide mental health support services ranging from helplines and ‘talking therapies’ to supported housing and safe havens, all based on the principle of supporting each person, as an individual, towards their own goals and aspirations

    T: 0300 3230187

    www.mhm.org.uk/

  • LGBT Services

    Trade

    Trade offers a range of free and confidential support and advice services around sexual health and HIV; one-to-one emotional and practical support; support in ‘coming out', sexuality and relationships; rapid HIV testing; community-based men’s sexual health clinics; safer sex packs for men and women; and a fully qualified counselling service.

    2nd Floor, 27 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AS

    T: 0116 254 1747

    www.tradesexualhealth.com

  • Drug and Alcohol Support

    Turning Point

    Turning Point is a drug and alcohol service covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

    T: 03303036000

    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    www.wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/leicestershire/

  • Sexual health Support

    Leicestershire Sexual Health

    Contraception, pregnancy testing, STI testing.

    T: 03001240102

    www.leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk

    Trade

    Trade offer a range of free and confidential support and advice services around sexual health and HIV; one-to-one emotional and practical support; support in ‘coming out’, sexuality and relationships; rapid HIV testing; community-based men’s sexual health clinics; safer sex packs for men and women; and a fully qualified counselling service.

    2nd Floor, 27 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AS

    T: 0116 254 1747

    www.tradesexualhealth.com

  • Death/Bereavement support

    The Laura Centre

    Confidential support, advice and counselling based in Leicester.

    www.thelauracentre.org.uk

    Grief Encounter

    Grief Encounter is a national organisation that supports young people who are experiencing bereavement.

    www.griefencounter.org.uk

  • Anti-bullying

    SMB College Group takes the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our students very seriously. All College staff are trained to ensure the wellbeing of students and to ensure that the college is a safe and welcoming place to learn. You can contact your tutor or the Student Services team if you or someone you know is being bullied. 

    Anti-bullying Policy

    Anti-bullying Pro website

  • Childline

    Childline is a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.

    T: 0800 1111

    www.childline.org.uk

  • NSPCC

    NSPCC is a national organisation specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.

    T: 0800 1111

    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    www.nspcc.org.uk

  • Other Support Organisations

    Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)

    This national organisation helps keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. Help is available for children, young people, parents and carers. 

    www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

    Papyrus

    Papyrus provides information and support for anyone under 35 who is struggling with suicidal feelings, or anyone concerned about a young person who might be struggling.

    T: 0800 068 41 41

    www.papyrus-uk.org

    The Mix

    The Mix is an online guide to life for 16-25 year olds. Straight-talking emotional support is available 24 hours a day. You can chat about any issue on their moderated discussion boards and/or in their live chat room.

    www.themix.org.uk

    Samaritans

    Samaritans provide emotional support for anyone feeling down, experiencing distress or struggling to cope.

    24-hour helpline: 116 123 (freephone)

    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    www.samaritans.org

    Youth Access

    Youth Access operates a network of member organisations that provide local information, advice and counselling services. The Youth Access website and helpline can direct you to services in your area.

    T: 020 8772 9900

    www.youthaccess.org.uk

    Young Minds

    Young Minds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health of all babies, children and young people. They provide information for both young people and their parents.

    T: 020 7089 5050 (general enquiries)

    www.youngminds.org.uk