Worried about a friend
What can I do?
University can present difficult times for everyone. If you find yourself concerned about a friend, whether they’ve confided in you, or are unwilling to recognise a problem, it is important to take action if you believe they need a little guidance.
If you aren’t sure what type of support your friend may require and would like a little more information, you can visit the One Elmwood Student Centre between 9am - 5pm, Mon to Fri.
Our Information Assistants will be able to provide more information about support services that your friend may wish to engage with.
You can signpost a friend to the Student Disability and Wellbeing Drop in Service, available Monday to Friday 11.00am - 3.00pm, first floor One Elmwood, or submit a Student Contact Form
For financial guidance or off-campus accommodation queries, Advice SU has lots of information and trained advisers who’ll be able to help with your query.
A few useful resources:
- Support for a Friend An online Guide for friends from Student Minds, a student mental health charity. This guide is full of information and tips, covering everything from approaching difficult conversations to self-care. The guide includes personal stories, giving students the opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts about looking after a mate
- The Samaritans also offer a service in which they contact the person you are concerned about, in confidence. Find out more on their website to see if this is an option you should consider. You may also find the following information useful: Help a Friend in Need
- TalkCampus is a mental health peer support app which all Queen's students can access for free, find out more information here
- If you are concerned that someone close to you may have been self-harming their body and are unsure what to do, you can follow the link through to our Student Support Self Harm leaflet for some practical suggestions and additional information.
If you don’t know what guidance your friend requires and would like someone to help:
- Contact the Inspire 24hr Freephone on 0808 800 0016 or email qubstudents@inspirewellbeing.org.
- Email the elected Students' Union Vice-President for Welfare at su.vpwelfare@qub.ac.uk
- Contact Student Wellbeing at studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk