Mental health difficulties
If you experience a mental health difficulty while at the University, you can contact a professional counsellor, Mental Health Advisor, or Disability Advisor based at the University who will meet with you to discuss your issues or concerns.
The University Health Service or Mental Health Advisor can refer you to outside agencies, such as Community Mental Health Services for further specialist assessment. If your mental health means that you need additional support with your studies, the Counsellor and Disability Advisor can work with you to put in place appropriate and coordinated support.
Our support for students with mental health conditions is based on an individual's needs. Many students study effectively when diagnosed with a mental health condition, while others will need, and are entitled to, support. We aim to organise the support you require in advance of you attending the University, so please contact the Disability Service as soon as possible.
Examples of support available
- Arranging non-medical support worker assistance, for example, weekly support from a Mental Health Mentor or Study Skills Tutor
- Referral to and support from a Mental Health Advisor or Counsellor
- Exam and coursework arrangements.
- Arranging Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) (UK students only)
Online support - Togetherall
The service provides 24/7 online peer and professional support. Togetherall provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings and learn how to improve and self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
More than three-quarters of members feel better as a result of using the service and nearly 90% use Togetherall outside of 9-5pm. You can get support on the service at any time of the day or night, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
To join Togetherall’s supportive online community, simply visit the Togetherall website and sign up with your university email address. You then choose an anonymous username for your time on Togetherall. There is additional information regarding support available and assistive software on our website, including links to videos, guides and downloadable demos, as well as self-training material.
Examination and coursework adjustment details
Your coursework and exam adjustments will be discussed in full at your appointment with an Advisor. Any adjustment recommended is based on the needs of the individual. Examples follow but the list is not exhaustive.
- Extra time in exams and timed class tests
- A quiet shared room or individual room for exams
- Permission to leave class when required
- Permission to record lectures
- Lecture notes and slides provided in advance of the lecture
Where your needs are complex, we will agree a Learning Profile with you that will be available to teaching staff.
DSA
Available to UK-domiciled students only.
This is additional funding which may be available to meet any additional study-related costs that a student may incur because of their disability. If you require any funded support, we will arrange another appointment to have your needs assessed for funding through DSA. Further information on DSA can be found on the University website.
Assistive technology
Assistive technology is any device or software that can help you overcome barriers caused by your disability or learning difficulty.
There is additional information regarding assistive software on the Assistive Technology webpage, including links to videos, guides and downloadable demos, as well as self-training material that you may wish to look at.
Further Information
Find out more about study support.
Read our Mental Health Policy for Students.
Learn about the University Health Service.
Key information
Disability Service
- Phone
- +44 (0) 131 451 3386
- disability@hw.ac.uk