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The University of Southampton
Student Disability & WellbeingPart of Student Services

Staying Connected

One impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been an increase in loneliness. Staying connected to others can feel more difficult but even if you are not able to physically spend time with others, technology provides lots of options for us to connect with others online.

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Keeping connected with others is good for our wellbeing

As well as being able to keep in touch with your loved ones and the University through social media, email, video calls and phone calls, many organisations and services are offering their support online too. You could also consider joining online groups like book clubs, dance classes, online quizzes – whatever you’re interested in! Remember to check Blackboard and your University emails regularly so that you can keep connected with your studies.

Online support

Frazzled Cafe

Founded by the University's Chancellor, Ruby Wax, Frazzled Cafe gives people the opportunity to connect through peer-to-peer support. They are now hosting virtual meetings; sign up on their website.

The Social Prescribing Service

The Social Prescribing Service work with you to find suitable activities and social support to improve your health and sense of wellness. 

One-to-one support

Student Hub

The Student Hub is the first point of contact for student enquiries. There are a number of ways you can contact the team, and they are available 24/7 to support you.

Student's Union Advice Centre

The Advice Centre provides free, independent and confidential support to all students. They are currently offering support via email and telephone.

The Lighthouse Shirley: 

Those in mental health crisis or emotional distress can text ‘lighthouse’ and their postcode (for example LIGHTHOUSE SO14 0YG) to the Mind text line number (07451276010) between 4:30pm and 12am. The Lighthouse staff will then contact them via telephone, email, webchat or text.

The Lighthouse is an informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health service for anyone over the age of 18 who requires short-term support in times of great difficulty or is struggling with poor mental health.    

Make positive connections

Lastly, we encourage you to share your concerns about the current situations with people you trust, but try not to make this the sole focus of all your conversations. Try to share positive news or share ideas on good ways to occupy your time. If you're struggling to reach out to someone, Mind have a really helpful webpage on talking to friends and family.

Only get your information from trusted sources such as Public Health England, as you might find that if you’re receiving information second-hand or third-hand, it can get miscommunicated. Receive your news and information about the University from the dedicated FAQs page. If you find that there are news posts or social media messages that are not helpful for your mood, it’s ok to switch these off for a while.

If you feel able to, you could always reach out to a vulnerable person who is isolating through the NHS Check in and Chat scheme. Please ensure you're following the NHS's volunteering guidelines, and that you look after your own wellbeing too.

 

Loneliness
Managing your wellbeing and studies onlineCovid-19 FAQs pageNHS Check in and Chat scheme
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