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  • At QA Higher Education, we want you to feel safe, supported and able to thrive throughout your time with us. We offer a range of services to support your wellbeing, including our Safeguarding Team, Welfare Team, Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs), Mental Health Practitioner, Learning Support Team, Student Conduct and Resolutions Team and our Student Assistance Programme, which provides access to confidential counselling and a range of wellbeing services.

    We recognise that every student’s journey is different. Your wellbeing is an important part of your university experience, and feeling safe, included and supported can make it easier to engage with your studies, build confidence and achieve your goals.

    These pages bring together information, guidance and support to help you navigate university life. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, want to learn more about maintaining your wellbeing, need adjustments to support your learning, or are experiencing a difficult time, we’re here to help you find the support that’s right for you.

    If you need support, you don’t have to face things alone. Reaching out can feel difficult, but you will be listened to without judgement and treated with compassion and respect. Whatever you’re experiencing, we’re here to help you explore your options and connect you with the support that best meets your needs.

    Contacting the Safeguarding, Student Life and Wellbeing teams

    Via email

    Safeguarding team – Email: safeguarding.alerts@qa.com

    Welfare team – Email: qahe.welfare@qa.com

    Mental Health Practitioners – Email: qahe.mentalhealthsupport@qa.com

    Learning Support team –  Email: qahe.learningsupport@qa.com

    Sexual Violence Liaison Officers – Email:– qahe.yoursafespace@qa.com

    Student Conduct and Resolutions team – Email: qahestudentconduct@qa.com

    You can call on  44 (0)203 921 0163.

    Pop into the campus: Birmingham, London – Rosebery Avenue, London – Fitzwilliam House, London – International House and Manchester campuses

    Monday – Thursday                   09:00-18:00

    Friday                                                  09:00-17:00

    General Wellbeing call-back request click here

     

    Mental Health Support

    Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Our Mental Health Practitioner can provide guidance, short-term support and help you access the most appropriate services for your needs.

    Learning Support

    We’re committed to making learning as accessible as possible. If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference, our Learning Support Team can work with you to identify reasonable adjustments and support you throughout your studies.

    Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs)

    You deserve to feel safe and heard. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, harassment or other forms of interpersonal violence, our SVLOs offer confidential, specialist support in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

    Student Conduct and Resolutions

    Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. If you’re involved in a student conduct matter, complaint, appeal or another formal process, our Student Conduct and Resolutions Team will explain what to expect, ensure you’re heard, and guide you through the process fairly and impartially.

Your Safe Space – Report + Support is QA Higher Education’s confidential tool for sharing concerns and accessing support.

You can use it to:

  • Seek advice
  • Ask for support
  • Report something that happened to you
  • Report something you witnessed
  • Raise concerns about someone else
  • Make a named report
  • Submit information anonymously

You do not need to know what action you want before using Your Safe Space: Report + Support

Support is available whenever you need it. Our Student Assistance Programme (SAP) gives all QA Higher Education students free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Whether you’re experiencing a difficult time or simply need someone to talk to, you can access:

  • Confidential counselling and emotional support
  • Practical advice on financial, legal and family matters
  • Health and wellbeing information
  • Signposting to specialist support services

Wisdom App

The Wisdom App provides wellbeing support wherever you are, whenever you need it. Through the app, you can access:

  • Self-help articles and wellbeing resources
  • Guided mindfulness and meditation sessions
  • Fitness plans and healthy living advice
  • Podcasts and webinars
  • Mood tracking and wellbeing tools
  • Crisis support and emergency guidance

How to access the Student Assistance Programme

24/7 Helpline: 0800 028 3766

Website: Wisdom

Code to use to register: MHA339939

Download the Wisdom App: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Code to use to register: MHA339939

All support is free, confidential and available to every QA Higher Education student throughout their studies.

Safeguarding Support

Your safety matters. If you’re worried about your own safety or someone else’s, our Safeguarding Team is here to listen, support you and help you access the right help.

Welfare Support

Everyone needs support sometimes. If personal circumstances are affecting your wellbeing, daily life or studies, our Welfare Team is here to help you explore your options and find practical solutions.

Money worries can happen to anyone. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, we can help you understand your options, access financial support and develop confidence in managing your finances.

Money worries can affect your wellbeing and your ability to focus on your studiesWe can help you with budgeting, managing living costs, exploring your financial options, and accessing the support available to you.

If you’re experiencing unexpected financial hardship, you may also be eligible to apply for the QA Higher Education Discretionary Hardship Fund or, if eligible, the Care Leaver Bursary.

Student budget calculator

NHS
If you require health advice, due to current concerns or if not sure about an urgent medical problem your first decision may be to head to the hospital when you may not need to.

Contact your local GP (doctor) service, or contact the NHS Helpline on 111 available 24 hours every day. You can also call 18001 111 on a textphone.

Police
For non-emergency situations, where it is not immediate danger call 101.

Emergency Services
Call 999 to get some immediate help, if there is immediate danger, of injury or loss of life.

Anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

nhs.uk/mentalhealth, www.mind.org.uk

Victim support

Tel. 0808 1689 111, www.victimsupport.org.uk

Rape Crisis London

rapecrisis.org.uk (support and specialist care for victims of rape and sexual abuse)

We understand that asking for support can feel difficult, and you may be worried about who will know you’ve reached out. We treat the information you share with us sensitively, respectfully and, wherever possible, confidentially.

In most situations, what you tell us will stay between you and the member of staff supporting you. We will only share information with other colleagues or external services if it is necessary to support you, if you have given your consent, or if we believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where we have a legal or safeguarding duty to do so.

Wherever possible, we will explain what information needs to be shared, why it needs to be shared, and who it will be shared with. Our aim is to work with you openly and transparently, ensuring you remain involved in decisions about your support wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

If you have any questions about confidentiality or how your information will be used, please speak to a member of the team supporting you, we’ll be happy to explain.

Looking after your physical health is an important part of your wellbeing while you’re studying. We strongly recommend that you register with a local GP (doctor) and dentist as soon as possible after arriving at university. This makes it easier to access healthcare when you need it.

Register with a GP

Your GP is your first point of contact for most physical and mental health concerns. They can provide routine healthcare, prescribe medication, offer mental health support, and refer you to specialist NHS services if needed.

Find a Dentist

Regular dental check-ups are important for your health. If you don’t already have a dentist, you can search for NHS dental practices in your area.

NHS 111

If you need medical advice and you’re not sure what to do, contact your GP or call NHS 111, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NHS 111 can assess your symptoms, direct you to the most appropriate service, and arrange urgent care if needed. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the NHS 111 Relay UK service by dialling 18001 111.

Walk-in Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres

If you have a minor illness or injury that can’t wait for a GP appointment, you may be able to visit an NHS Walk-in Centre or Urgent Treatment Centre. These services treat conditions such as minor infections, sprains, cuts, burns and minor fractures.

Police

If you need to report a crime or speak to the police about a non-emergency situation, call 101.

Emergency Services

Call 999 immediately if someone is seriously ill or injured, there is an immediate risk to life, or a crime is in progress. Ask for the appropriate emergency service (Ambulance, Police or Fire and Rescue).

Having somewhere safe and secure to live is an important part of your wellbeing. If you’re worried about your accommodation, struggling to find somewhere to live, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing problems with your landlord or tenancy, support is available.

Although QA Higher Education does not provide student accommodation, our Welfare Team can help you explore your housing options, search for accommodation, understand the terms of your tenancy agreement, and access the right support. While we are not able to provide legal advice, we can offer guidance, signpost you to specialist housing organisations, and, where appropriate and with your consent, advocate on your behalf with landlords, accommodation providers or other agencies.

If you’re experiencing homelessness or are at immediate risk of losing your accommodation, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you access the most appropriate support.

 

Shelter
If you require housing advice contact an expert housing advisor on 0808 800 4444. They are open 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm on weekends.

If your situation is urgent and you have nowhere to sleep, might be homeless soon, are at risk of harm or feeling very overwhelmed about your housing situation, then you can call the emergency helpline on 0808 1644 660.

You may also be able to contact your local Council for advice and assistance.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about someone else, you don’t have to face it alone. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or coercive and controlling behaviour. Whatever your situation, support is available.

Our Welfare Team, Mental Health Practitioner and Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental support. We can:

  • Listen to you and help you explore your options at your own pace.
  • Support your emotional wellbeing and help you develop a personalised support plan.
  • Help you access emergency accommodation, specialist domestic abuse services and other community organisations.
  • Support you if you choose to report to the police or make a disclosure to the university.
  • Liaise with academic teams, with your consent, to help you remain engaged with your studies.
  • Provide ongoing support throughout your recovery and help you access additional services when needed.

You do not have to report the abuse or leave your situation to receive support.

Refuge
You can speak to a member of the National Domestic Violence Helpline team. The team will provide a listening ear if you want to talk about your experiences and support you to work through your options in the short and long term. The Helpline can also help you to access refuge accommodation, or other specialist domestic violence services, if you need them.

The below helplines are available 24/7:
Women’s and Children’s Advice line: 0808 200 0247
Men’s Advice line: 0808 801 0327

RSVP – Rape and Sexual Violence Project

Call: 0121 643 0301

Website: rsvporg.co.uk

Muslim Women’s Network

Call: 0800 999 5786

Website: mwnuk.co.uk

GALOP – the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity

Website: galop.org.uk

Emergency Services
If you or a member of your family are in immediate danger call 999 to get some immediate help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope, experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, you’re not alone. Support is available, and we’re here to help.

Our Mental Health Practitioners, Welfare Team and Safeguarding Team provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental support. We can:

  • Offer a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling.
  • Help you develop a personalised support plan.
  • Support you to access NHS and specialist mental health services.
  • Liaise with academic teams, with your consent, to help you remain engaged with your studies.
  • Help you access urgent or emergency support if you’re in crisis.

Mental Health Practitioners

Student Assistance Programme and Wisdom App

Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Student Assistance Programme (SAP). You can access free, confidential counselling, emotional support and practical advice whenever you need it.

The Wisdom App provides self-help resources, wellbeing tools, mindfulness exercises, mood tracking, podcasts and crisis guidance, giving you access to support anytime, anywhere.

Additional Support

  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7) or visit www.samaritans.org
  • Student Space (Student Minds): Student mental health support via text, webchat and email.
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential crisis support (24/7).
  • PAPYRUS HOPELINE247: Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org for support if you’re under 35 or worried about a young person.
  • AtaLoss: Bereavement support and signposting at ataloss.org.
  • Reasons to Stay – A suicide prevention project offering anonymous letters of hope, written by people who have experienced difficult times. If you’re looking for comfort, connection or a reminder that you’re not alone, you can read a letter written by someone who cares. You can also write a letter to support someone else when you’re ready.
  • Website: Reasons to Stay

Please note: Reasons to Stay is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support or you’re at immediate risk, contact the Student Assistance Programme, Samaritans, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

 

Emergency Support

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm, or you have acted on thoughts of suicide, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, sexual assault, rape, harassment, stalking or any other form of sexual misconduct, you’re not alone. Our Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are here to provide confidential, non-judgemental support in a safe and supportive environment.

Our SVLOs can:

  • Listen to you and provide emotional support.
  • Explain your options so you can make informed decisions at your own pace.
  • Help you access medical care, counselling and specialist support services.
  • Support you if you choose to report to the police or make a disclosure to the university.
  • Liaise with academic and support teams, with your consent, to help you continue your studies.
  • Provide ongoing support throughout your recovery and any reporting process.

You do not have to report what has happened to receive support.

 

Specialist Support

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

provide free, confidential medical care and emotional support for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. You can access a SARC whether or not you choose to report to the police. They can provide forensic medical examinations, healthcare, crisis support and referrals to ongoing services.

 

Rape Crisis
The national Rape Crisis helpline is open 12 noon – 2.30pm and 7 – 9.30pm every day of the year.

You can call them on:
Women’s advice line: 0808 802 9999
National Male Survivors Helpline: 0808 800 5005

 

Emergency Services
You may also wish to make a report to the Police on 101 (non-emergency) or if you are in immediate danger contact 999.

Our Welfare Team is here to provide compassionate, confidential support to any students who may be affected by natural disasters or situations involving war and conflict. We understand that these events can have a significant emotional and practical impact, whether they are happening close to home or affecting family, friends, or communities abroad. No matter your circumstances, you are not alone—our team is committed to listening, understanding, and helping you navigate any challenges you may be experiencing.

We can offer a range of support, including emotional wellbeing guidance, practical advice, and signposting to additional services where needed. If you are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, we encourage you to reach out. Our priority is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and able to continue their learning in a positive environment.

Welfare Team – QAHE.Welfare@qa.com

Mental Health Practitioners – qahe.mentalhealthsupport@qa.com

Student Assistance Programme – Wisdom   Code to use to register: MHA339939

At Ulster University’s Branch Campuses we understand the needs of young people who may have lived in care as a child. If you are registered as a care leaver our Safeguarding, Student Life & Wellbeing team understands that support and advice starts before the first day of teaching. Therefore we would encourage you to contact us as soon as you know you would like to study on one of our campuses. We have welfare staff based in our branch campuses and we are very happy to offer you help and support before, during and at the end of your studies.

Care Leavers page

  • Lorraine – Assistant Director of Safeguarding, Student Life and Wellbeing Service/ Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Lead
  • Karen – Head of Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing / Deputy Safeguarding Lead/

London Team

  • Alex B – Safeguarding and Student Welfare Manager/SVLO
  • Josselyn – Welfare Advisor / SVLO
  • Hannah – Welfare Advisor
  • Harrison – Welfare Advisor
  • Vani – Mental Health Practitioner
  • Tejinder – Mental Health Practitioner
  • Foteini – Learning Support Advisor

Birmingham Team

  • Nick  – Safeguarding and Student Mental Health Manager
  • Renee– Learning Support Manager
  • Sophie – Welfare Advisor
  • Dave – Mental Health Pracitioner
  • Francesca – Student Relations Officer/SVLO

Manchester Team

  • Priscilla – Welfare Advisor/Deputy Safeguarding Lead & SVLO
  • Nikki – Welfare Advisor
  • Anna – Mental Health Practitioner
  • Jo – Learning Support Advisor

 

Our Safeguarding, Student Life and Wellbeing Team are always on hand to support you with any queries or personal matters that you may come across during your studies. Our friendly team are here to help, so do not be afraid to ask for their support and advice, no matter how big or small you think your issue is.

Email: qahe.welfare@qa.com

QA Mental Health Support

Access dedicated support from our mental health practitioners in person or online.

Email:  qahe.mentalhealthsupport@qa.com