We are just over a week into the period of lockdown which has been a significant adjustment for us all. The last week has been intense as we began our remote study while dealing with the profound changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our lives.

We recognise that these are challenging times which are far from normal and are impacting on your personal circumstances. We are mindful of the additional pressures being felt by many and understand the importance of looking after our own wellbeing and supporting others where we can.

If you find yourself in need of support or are concerned that a student may need help, here is some information about services that offer advice and support:

1. Understanding COVID – 19. Read about the symptoms of COVID-19 and the preventative measures to help reduce the spread of infection. Ensuring you are reading accurate and up-to-date information can help you understand the situation better.
2. Adjusting to working from home. Find out more about face-to-face teaching suspension, virtual learning, exams and assessment arrangements on our Student Advice webpage. If you have any concerns speak to your course leader or supervisor, they are there to help. Read our studying from home tips on the RGU Student Blog.
3. RES Life support. For students living in RGU accommodation, our RES Life teams will continue to provide out of hours support. Contact your onsite RESlife team or email reslife@rgu.ac.uk
4. Access free mental health advice through SilverCloud. Our easy to use Silvercloud service provides online mental health self-help programmes 24/7 to help with anxiety, stress, depression and body image. These free and confidential cognitive behavioural therapy programmes consist of 8 modules that you can complete at your own pace.
5. Student Counselling and Wellbeing Centre. Counselling and wellbeing support are being offered remotely via telephone or video call. The team operate between 9.30am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. If you would like to get in touch you can book an appointment through ASKRGU. Find out more about the service and their additional resources on our Counselling & Wellbeing webpage.
6. Urgent mental health resources. If you would like to speak to someone urgently you can contact the following services:
   
   Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline and a safe space for you to talk any time you like, in your own way. You can call them for free on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.
   
   Breathing Space can be contacted by calling 0800 838587. They are available Monday-Thursday, from 6pm to 2am, and on the weekend from Friday 6pm-Monday 6am.
   
   NHS 24. If you are unwell you should check the usual NHS24 advice. In case of a medical emergency, you should dial 999.
   
   Keep up-to-date about COVID-19 on the RGU website.

Related blogs:

Studying from home tips

My Mental Health Journey at RGU