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Our Wellbeing Adviser is Louise Gill. Louise Gill is based in the main campus building in Student Services.

Appointments with Louise Gill are available face to face on campus or online, using Microsoft Teams, depending on your preference.Ìý

To access Microsoft Teams you can download the free onto your device.

For students studying Paramedic Science they can access support from Dona Smith who is the wellbeing adviser for this course.Ìý To contact and meet with Dona please email 'wellbeing@qmu.ac.uk'.Ìý

The information you choose to share with the Wellbeing Adviser will be treated as confidential.Ìý The Wellbeing Adviser is part of the Student Services team.Ìý

Relevant information may be shared with other Student Services team members to ensure you receive the most effective and co-ordinated support.ÌýÌý

In situations where we are concerned about a student’s welfare, we might extend confidentiality to yourÌý±Ê´¡°ÕÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýProgramme LeaderÌý²¹²Ô»å with your consent we would like to be able to share concerns with yourÌýGPÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýNext of Kin.

There are some circumstances where we have to disclose information without your consent such as; if there is a requirement in law to disclose; or if it is considered that there is substantial risk of harm to you, or a third party if information is not disclosed.

The information that you share within Student Services will be treatedÌý³¦´Ç²Ô´Ú¾±»å±ð²Ô³Ù¾±²¹±ô±ô²âÌýand held by the University in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and Queen Margaret University Data Protection Policy and Student Privacy Statement.

Data Protection and Record Keeping

The service works according to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Notes taken during the meeting with the Wellbeing Adviser may record background information and key issues worked on in the session. These will vary in length and detail. Points of concern are also noted.Ìý These are stored securely and password protected.ÌýÌý

Access to notes

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, students accessing the Wellbeing Service have the right to access all information held about them by the Wellbeing Service. This can be done by a 'Subject Access Request'.Ìý

If you find yourself or someone you know experiencing a Mental Health Crisis or emergency, please know that support is available:

Call 999 if you or someone you know experiences an acute life-threatening medical or mental health emergency.

Contact NHS 24 – Free phone: 111

Book an emergency GP appointment - Your GP holds overall health responsibility including any mental health concerns you may have.ÌýÌý

For students registered with a medical practice in East Lothian (including Riverside Medical Practice) you can:

• Call the CWIC service for mental health concernsÌýto speak to a trained practitioner, for more information on

NHS Emergency Mental Health Assessment can be available through contacting the Mental Health Assessment Service on 0131 537 6000. ÌýThis is a self-referral service and is based in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Place.Ìý

Penumbra run and they can be contacted directly on 0808 801 0414 if you want to discuss a mental health crisis.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, violence, intimate partner violence, assault, rape or you feel that your own safety or someone else's is at risk PLEASE KNOW THERE IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE:

²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Advice and Support for Sexual Harassment and Violence

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At any time if you or anyone else is in immediate danger please call the Police on 999.

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Listening services

Breathing Space Helpline

Free phone: 0800 83 85 87
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am,ÌýFriday 6pm – Monday 6am

Samaritans

Free phone: 116 123 - National Line
Open 24/7
Email: jo@samaritans.org
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Edinburgh Night Line

Confidential Support for Students 8pm-8am term-time.ÌýÌýTel: 0131 557 4444

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Counselling

Queen Margaret University counselling service

- donation counselling available to all students studying in Edinburgh

- provided by counsellors in training, donation service, available to over 16 years living in Edinburgh area.Ìý

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Overall Wellbeing

support and resources from NHS on a variety of topics including panic attacks, anxiety, stress, sleep

- mental health and wellbeing support across Edinburgh

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LGBTQ+ Specific Support

- up to 25 years

- LGBTQ+ survivors

- LGBTQ+ mental health supportÌý

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Stress

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Coping with depression

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Coping with self-harm

Penumbra, one of Scotland’s mental health charities provides informal emotional support for people who self-harm as well as their families and carers:

The UK mental-health charity Mind offers information and support for .

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Coping with Anxiety

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Coping with bereavement

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Gambling Support

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OCD/Anxiety support

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Eating Disorders

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Domestic Abuse and violence

- support for any LGBTI+ person experiencing domestic abuse

- support for anyone under 19 years old

(Financial control and abuse)

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Rape and Sexual AssaultÌý

- support for men, boys and non-binary individuals affected by sexual violence

- LGBTQ+ supportÌý

Sleep

- support for sleep, free, provided by NHS

- NHS supported app for anxiety management

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Mindfulness

There are many factors which may impact on a students' engagement with their academic studies.

If you feel you are struggling 'Supporting you to Stay on Course' helps you to identify support services which may be able to provide you with support and advice.Ìý

To access the 'Supporting you to Stay on Course' form and information please click on the link:

If you would like to - the form is entirely voluntary and anonymous.ÌýÌý

Staff may also refer students into the Wellbeing service for support.ÌýÌý

It is best that staff discuss this with the student first, and if the student feels unable to access support directly themselves, staff can refer them to the Wellbeing service on the students' behalf, by emailing:

lgill@qmu.ac.uk

or

wellbeing@qmu.ac.uk

If you would like to discuss your concerns regarding a student with the Wellbeing adviser please do get in touch.Ìý

If you are very concerned regarding a students' wellbeing please do consult the Distressed Student Guide - a guide for University Staff

When appropriate staff may want to direct students to ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Report and Support for more information for staff and students follow the link.

"The Wellbeing Service has been vital to me in the past few days, I would advise anyone needing guidance and someone to talk to, to access this service."

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"The Wellbeing Service is extremely helpful. I already feel less stressed, anxious and overwhelmed since meeting with the Adviser and accessing support."

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"I wish I had gone to the Wellbeing Adviser sooner. I felt like my world was falling apart, I felt so alone and overwhelmed. The Adviser immediately helped me feel not alone and supported."

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"Thank you for helping me in learning to cope with myself and the world around. Thank you for the listening."

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"A safe space where I didn't feel pressured to say anything"

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"In my case, word of mouth from a person who experienced excellent service from the Wellbeing Service convinced me to address my problems. I can now thank the person who was enough brave to share its experience with me and hope that someday I can dare to do the same."

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"I always feel extremely welcomed, and that nothing is ever a burden. Excellent support and advice along with effective resources too. By far the most comfortable support I have had"

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"Had a really good experience with the Wellbeing service. Very quick response to emails and was given a lot of helpful advice and resources after my first meeting"

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