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We take our students' health, wellbeing and career prospects seriously. We know, as you do, that students need to be healthy and happy in order to fulfil their potential and maximise their chances of getting that dream job.
We understand the importance of providing comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and positive experience for both students and their families. We are committed to offering a range of free and confidential services to support the wellbeing of our students throughout their time at university.
Our dedicated Wellbeing team works closely with both on and off-campus services to ensure the most supportive student experience. Our team provides expert guidance on various issues including; stress, anxiety, low mood, self-harm, bereavement, eating distress, addiction, as well as concerns around sexuality, self-esteem, confidence, and long-term mental health challenges. No concern is too big or small, and we encourage students to reach out early in their university journey to ensure the most effective support at the earliest point.
Students can access our services by submitting a referral, after which they will be offered either an in-person or virtual appointment. Based on the information provided, we will develop a tailored support plan in collaboration with the student, connecting them with relevant services as needed. Make a referral.
Additionally, our Overnight Support Team is available seven days a week, from 6:30pm to 6:30am on 0191 515 2451 to access essential wellbeing and mental health support during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
For further 24/7 support, we’ve partnered with SilverCloud and StudentSpace, offering online tools and resources that are free, confidential, and full of helpful tips and advice.
Our Chaplaincy team is also available for students seeking guidance, whether related to faith, personal beliefs, or simply needing a supportive, inclusive space. They connect students to local faith communities and provide opportunities for students to meet others in a safe, welcoming environment arranging local walks, trips, and social evenings.
We encourage students to identify a trusted contact which is someone a student nominates, as a person we can contact in usually rare, circumstances. This tends to be a parent or guardian, but it can be anyone over the age of 18, such as a family member, neighbour, or friend. If you have a concern for the safety or wellbeing of one of our students as a parent or guardian please email wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk and we will return your call and discuss support options.
We strongly recommend that students connect with us early so that we can offer the best possible support throughout their journey at university. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you and our university community every step of the way.
Find more information on our support services.
The Disability Support team provides information, support, and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), and long-term medical conditions.
The team outlines the services and support they offer to all students, from the application stage and throughout the entirety of their time with us:
Students will receive regular examination and module marks and will be fully aware of how well they are doing academically. They are also allocated a personal tutor, who will be available to discuss academic or personal concerns on a one-to-one basis. If they have any queries or difficulties within their subject areas, they can book an appointment with their tutor for more in-depth support and guidance. Further support is also available from our library services.
We are not permitted to release information about academic progress to any third party without the consent of our students, this also applies to parents, supporters, and family members.
Some students need a little help making new friends and feeling comfortable in their new environment. That's why our Students' Union offers SU Buddies, which pairs new students with a current student who can help them find their way around, find the best place to get a cup of coffee, share study tips, and much more.
There are also over 50 sports clubs and societies for you to join, covering everything from feminism, football, games, and hockey, to snow sports, debating, and rugby. Whatever the interest, we’ll help your student find friends and have a happy and fulfilling student experience.
Our award-winning We Care team offers individual, bespoke support to care-experienced and estranged current and prospective students. They can assist on a wide range of issues including accommodation, student finance and funding, employment and part-time work, academic queries, mental health and wellbeing, and accessing the We Care bursary.
The Employability and Enterprise Hub allows students to engage in person or online with employers through employer talks, employability conferences and careers fairs to ensure that they are well-placed to make connections with potential employers. We offer a wide selection of experiential opportunities ranging from volunteering, work shadowing, paid projects, Student Ambassador roles, support in finding a student job, professional mentoring and the Sunderland Professional Award (SuPA) to help enhance our students’ future employment prospects.
Alternatively, if a student is a budding entrepreneur, then they may decide to run their own business alongside studying at university. Our student and graduate start-up support provides support for our students to help them realise their start-up ambitions while with us and for three years after graduation.
As a parent or supporter, we may not be able to discuss an individual's specific circumstances with you, however, you are welcome to contact any of our support services, visit them in person, or speak to them at an Open Day and find out more about the comprehensive support that we offer.
If you have any questions about health, wellbeing, and the services we offer to students, please get in touch on 0191 515 2933.
To learn more about our careers and employability service, contact the Employability and Enterprise Hub on 0191 515 2920.
To find out more about our Students' Union and the services they offer, visit their website or call 0191 515 3030.
If you feel you need a little bit of extra support, the University also has a Wellbeing team. They can offer free and confidential counselling as well as access to online CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) in the form of Silvercloud, and can signpost you to the Disability Support Service, who can help if your mental health is getting in the way of your academic life. The Chaplaincy is also there to offer a listening ear."
Sophie Dishman – BA (Hons) Journalism