External Support

Should you need support outside of the university, there are many resources available for you.  Some may be listed as local to the area, and some are national and available wherever you are in the UK.

For more information, visit our Further Support and Self Help Resources page.

Make sure you're registered with a GP

Your GP can offer you further support, guidance and advice for all wellbeing matters. The University of Derby have a GP at the Kedleston Road site, called The Park Medical Practice.

It's usual for GP surgeries to be closed at weekends so it's helpful to check the surgery website for opening hours and out-of-hours services.

If you're away from Derbyshire, you may be able to access treatment locally as a temporary patient.

Typically, students in Derby use the following GP surgery:

The Park Medical Practice, University of Derby

T: 01332 667911

Visit Park Medical Practice website

Typically, students in Buxton use the following GP surgeries:

Buxton Medical Practice

T: 01298 24105

If you're not already registered, you can register online with Buxton Medical Practice.

Stewart Medical Centre

T: 01298 22338

If you're not already registered, find out more about registering with Stewart Medical Centre.

If you're away from Derbyshire, you may be able to access treatment locally by registering as a temporary patient at a GP surgery near your home.

If you're not registered with a GP, use the NHS Choices website to locate the nearest one to you.

If you're feeling unsafe, suicidal or in crisis

In an emergency or if you're at risk of harm, always dial 999.

For non-emergency crimes and reporting of feeling unsafe, dial 101.

Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free, confidential, 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. They can help with suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, and relationship issues.

Text: YM to 85258

View useful contacts for urgent help

Samaritans provide an independent listening service that is always available, 24/7.

T: 116 123

E: jo@samaritans.org

Chat with Samaritans online

Visit Samaritans website

You can call the urgent mental health helpline for:

  • 24-hour advice and support
  • help to speak to a mental health professional
  • an assessment to help decide on the best course of care

Please note, this service is available in England only.

Find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline

The NHS 111 Service is open 24/7, 365 days a year, offering advice and support about what to do if you're in crisis.

T: 111

Find out when to use 111

Developed by doctors and experts in self-harm and suicide prevention, the distrACT app offers discreet, fast, and easy access to reliable information and support for those experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Download the DistrACT App

General support

Student Space provides resources for students, including a student support helpline, online chat, text message and email service.

Phone: 0808 189 5260 (3pm - 12am every day)

Text STUDENT to 85258 (24 hour text support)

Webchat support (4pm - 11pm every day)

Email: students@themix.org.uk

Visit Student Space website

The Derbyshire Healthcare Mental Health Support Line provides 24/7 free and confidential support via phone.

T: 0800 028 0077

Visit Derbyshire Healthcare website

Whether you want to know more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition, or know what support is available to you, Young Minds can help.

Visit Young Minds website

Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text service for anyone in the UK who’s struggling to cope. Trained volunteers are available day and night to listen and support you, and texts won’t appear on your phone bill.

Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Visit the Shout website

The Mix provides essential support for under 25s via phone, one-to-one chat, Crisis Messenger and email.

Phone: 0808 808 4994 (3pm - 12am, every day)

Webchat: One-to-one webchat (3pm - 12am, every day)

Email: info@themix.org.uk

Crisis Messenger - Text THEMIX to 85258 for free, 24/7 crisis support

Counselling Services - Confidential and safe, suitable for young people aged 25 years and under

Visit The Mix website

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) provides support to anyone in the UK who is feeling down and needs to talk or find information.

Chat with CALM online

T: 0800 585858

We're here 5pm - midnight every day.

At Call Derbyshire, the customer care assistant who takes your call, will 'own' your enquiry and will do everything possible to ensure you receive the information and help you need.

T: 01629 533190 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm | Saturdays 9:30am - 4pm)

The Community Mental Health Teams (for adults of working age) in Derbyshire provide tailored support for people aged 18 to 65 who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety or depression.

The service offers assessment, treatment and care planning delivered by a team of mental health professionals, with a focus on recovery, building independence and improving quality of life through both clinical support and connections to wider community resources.

Visit Derbyshire Healthcare's website

The Health and Wellbeing service from Derbyshire County Council offers personalised coaching and support for adults (aged 16 and over, outside Derby City) who are living with health conditions or disabilities. The service helps individuals improve their physical, mental, and social wellbeing by building confidence, developing life skills, and connecting with local communities.

Phone: 01629 532049

Email: healthandwellbeing@derbyshire.gov.uk

Visit Derbyshire County Council's website

Domestic Abuse

Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline is a 24/7 support line who can put you in touch with other support networks, organise refuge (should you need it), and explain how you can go forward with a criminal prosecution.

T: 0800 0198 668

E: derbyshiredahelpline@theelmfoundation.org.uk

If you're deaf or hearing impaired, or unable to phone, text the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Support Line on 07534 617252.

Find out more about the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Helpline provides free and confidential, 24/7 support and advice.

T: 0808 2000 247

Visit National Domestic Violence Helpline website

The Women's Aid Domestic Violence Helpline is a free 24-hour national helpline run by Women's Aid and Refuge.

T: 0808 2000 247

Visit Women's Aid websiteVisit Refuge website

Respect is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

T: 0808 801 0327

Visit Respect website

The National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline provides emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people.

T: 0800 999 5428

Visit National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline website

Karma Nirvana provides support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

T: 0800 5999 247

Visit Karma Nirvana website

Bereavement 

Cruse Bereavement Support in Derby offers specialised services to help individuals cope with grief. They provide one-to-one support with trained volunteers, in person or over the phone, as well as a fortnightly bereavement group. Available to those aged six and over, Cruse focuses solely on supporting people through the grieving process.

T: 0808 808 1677

Visit Cruse Bereavement Support's website

Treetops Hospice provides nursing care and emotional support to adults with life-limiting conditions and those who have been bereaved in Derby and Derbyshire. Their services include Hospice at Home care, therapeutic support, and counselling for grieving individuals. All services are free of charge and aim to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

Phone: 0115 949 1264

Email: info@treetopshospice.org.uk

Visit Treetops Hospice's website

Find more information, advice and support on Derbyshire County Council's website 

Visit Derbyshire County Council's 'Bereavement and Loss' webpage

Eating Disorders

First Steps ED is an award-winning charity based in the Midlands, supporting individuals affected by eating difficulties and disorders. They offer services including counselling, support groups, training for professionals, and workshops for families and carers. Their non-clinical early intervention and prevention services complement NHS and public health initiatives.

T: 0300 1021685

Visit First Steps ED's website

Beat ED is a UK charity that provides counselling and support for those affected by eating disorders. It offers helplines, support groups, and resources to assist in recovery, aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigma. 

T: 0300 123 3355

Visit Beat ED's website

Relationships and Family

Relationships Derby provides counselling services for individuals, couples, families, and young people, as well as psychosexual therapy designed to enhance relationships with others and oneself. Sessions are offered at a fixed rate, with a limited number of fully funded sessions available.

Address: 3 Wentworth House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UR


Phone: 01332 349177

Email: info@relationshipsderby.org.uk

Substance misuse

1625 Outreach by Change Grow Live is a free, confidential service for 16- to 25-year-olds in Derby, Derbyshire, and Sheffield that provides information about drugs and alcohol and signposts young people to local specialist support and services.

Email: 1625outreach@cgl.org.uk

Webchat support

Visit the 1625 Outreach website

Talk to FRANK is a national UK service offering free, confidential advice and information about drugs and their effects to people across the whole of the UK. It provides educational resources aimed especially at young people, covering both legal and illegal substances, along with guidance on how to stay safe and where to get further help. The service supports individuals, families, and professionals by offering reliable, non-judgmental information and signposting to local drug and alcohol services nationwide.

Message www.talktofrank.com/contact

Phone: 0300 1236600

Text 82111

Visit FRANK's website

Free to access counselling services

Talking Mental Health Derbyshire offers online referrals from local residents wanting to engage with telephone, video and digital (text-based) therapy. People aged 18+ may refer into the service.

Contact the service or refer yourself

Mental Health Support Line: 0800 028 0077 (24/7 support)

Find out more about the Mental Health Support Line

Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

Find out more about NHS talking therapies

Every Turn is an NHS provider offering talking therapies to anyone aged 18 and over. They provide a range of therapeutic services, including counselling and CBT, to support mental wellbeing. You can self-refer easily via their website, or contact them directly for more information.

T: 0300 555 5580

E: derbyshire@everyturn.org

Visit Everyturn's website

Kooth is a digital counselling service that provides young people aged 11-25 in Derbyshire with free, confidential, and safe online support. Kooth offers access to a range of services, including live chats with qualified counsellors and a supportive community. Young people can access this service at any time. 

Visit Kooth's website

Paid Counselling Services

The Psychotherapy Room in Derby offers a confidential and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions. They provide affordable counselling and psychotherapy for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Sessions are available Monday through Sunday, and both male and female therapists are available. Student concession rates are offered.

T: 07469244815

E: info@thepsychotherapyroom.com

Visit The Psychotherapy Room's website

Green Lane Counselling and Mental Health Service in Derby offers affordable, professional therapy for individuals aged 5 and above. With flexible options including face-to-face, online, and phone sessions, they support students with issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. They provide a safe, confidential space to work through emotional challenges, with reduced fees available for students. 

T: 07977 712027

E: enquiries@greenlanecounselling.co.uk

Visit Green Lane Counselling and Psychotherapy's website

Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS) offers affordable and confidential therapy to individuals aged 6 and above. With flexible options like face-to-face, online, and phone counselling, they provide support for issues such as stress, anxiety, and personal challenges. Operating Monday to Friday, DRCS offers a welcoming, non-judgmental space to help you manage your mental health. 

Visit DRCS's website

Counselling Directory is an online resource in the UK that connects individuals with professional therapists and counsellors. It provides access to a range of mental health support, helping people find the right guidance for their well-being. With detailed therapist profiles and useful resources, Counselling Directory makes it easier to access the support needed for better mental health. 

 Visit Counselling Directory's website

Further urgent help and crime support

You can find further helplines (both local and national) available on our Student Wellbeing Tile on UDo, including support for harassment, stalking, sexual assault and rape, suicidal thoughts and crime.

View urgent help and crime support on UDo

Looking after yourself

We've pulled together some resources to help you to look after your wellbeing, healthy and happiness.

Plan and eat healthier meals with the NHS Easy Meals recipe app. Choose from 150 easy, calorie-counted recipes covering breakfast, lunch, evening meals and puddings. If you're short on inspiration, let the app plan your day's meals.

The Student Health App was created to give you easy access to reliable health and wellbeing information.

Find out more about the Student Health App

WellMind is an NHS mental health and wellbeing app designed to help you with stress, anxiety and depression. The app includes advice, tips and tools to improve your mental health and boost your wellbeing.

There's an app for everything! From staying active, to apps that help with anxiety, depression, your digital wellbeing, sleep, and stress.

View our list of useful wellbeing apps

Discover how you can set yourself up to do your best by managing stress and maintaining your wellbeing and academic performance. Within UDo you'll have access to resources, including YouTube videos and downloadable resources, so you can start building on your foundations for success.

Visit UDo

Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind. Action for Happiness helps people take action for a happier and kinder world.

Why not try their 10 Days of Happiness program - a free online coaching program for challenging times; boost your wellbeing during the crisis and learn how to be happier.

Visit Action for Happiness website