Posted 1 year ago
Mon 21 Aug, 2023 12:08 PM
While you are at University it’s normal to need support from others. The University has a range of services which can help you, and you can read more about this on our other resource hub page. However, you might need support from outside the University too. We have listed some useful local services below which may be able to help you.
- General Help and Advice
- Mental Health Support
- Medical Support
- LGBTQ+ Networks
General Help and Advice
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Leeds helps people to resolve financial, housing, employment and other legal problems. All their advice is provided free of charge to service users. They offer advice on welfare rights, Universal Credit, debt and fuel poverty and unemployment. They are also a Hate Crime reporting centre.
You can read more about their work on their website.
Unipol
Unipol is a unique student housing charity who provide help and assistance to students renting in the private sector in Leeds. The charity run a number of accreditation schemes and train and promote best practice in student housing. They can help you with searching for housing, can help you understand if a property meets good standards and can also offer advice before you sign a housing contract. You can reach them via their website or at info@unipol.org.uk.
Leeds Domestic Violence Service
Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) supports all people in Leeds affected by domestic violence and abuse. You can find out more about how they can support you by calling their 24 hour helpline on 0113 246 0401, emailing them at hello@ldvs.uk or taking a look around their website for more information.
Mental Health Support
West Yorkshire Mental Health Support Line
The 24/7 service provides free, confidential support and advice for anyone registered with a GP practice in West Yorkshire who is concerned about their own or a family member’s mental health.
Mindwell
Mindwell is the dedicated mental health support website for people living in Leeds, bringing together resources from the NHS, City council and local charities. You can find out how to get help, understand common mental health problems and read about how to look after your wellbeing.
You can see more information on their website.
Togetherall
An online mental health service offering a safe and anonymous support community. The service offers 24/7 online peer and professional support with trained counsellors, and additionally provides resources to help manage and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Leeds Nightline
Leeds Nightline is a confidential listening and information service for students over 16 in Leeds. Our service is confidential, anonymous, non-directive, non-advisory and non-judgemental. We are a student society based at Leeds University Union and consist of trained volunteers who can relate to being a student.
Have a look at the Nightline website to learn more about their work.
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They empower students and members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. Their website has useful resources for students to use.
Medical Support
General Practice (GP)
If you want to access a doctor while staying in Leeds, you can register with a General Practice (GP). Most students register with the Leeds Student Medical Practice (LSMP), who are located near to campus.
Leeds Student Medical Practice is dedicated to the health of students and they offer comprehensive mental, sexual and reproductive health support, alongside all the usual services provided by a General Practice. Issues such as requests for letters to support applications for mitigating circumstances are addressed as quickly and as effectively as possible.
You can learn more about being LSMP here, including the link to register.
Beat
The UK’s eating disorder charity supports people who have eating disorders and they run a national helpline open 365 days a year, both online and on the phone. Call Beat to talk about eating disorders and to get information about services and treatments that can help, including peer support. Beat also has moderated message boards, one-to-one web chat and a range of online support groups.
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a national free 24 hour helpline run by the National Health Service, here to make it easier and quicker for people to get the right advice or treatment they need, be that for their physical or mental health. It’s free to call 111, you don’t need internet access and it’s for people of all ages.
Accident and Emergency or 999
Hospital emergency departments (A&E) and 999 are for serious or life-threatening conditions. This could include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy blood loss that cannot be stopped
- Persistent, severe chest pain
- Head injuries
- A suspected stroke or heart attack
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Suspected broken bones
If you attend an A&E department you will be assessed and depending on how serious the condition is, you may be asked to wait for treatment, treated quickly, or redirected to another service more appropriate for your condition.
Your local pharmacy
A pharmacist can help you with lots of medical issues and you can buy basic medical products there to treat yourself with at home. Pharmacists can help with many things, but there are times when you’ll need to make the trip to the doctor’s or use other services like NHS 111.
To see the nearest pharmacy to you, you can use this Pharmacy Finder.
Forward Leeds
Forward Leeds provides support for adults, young people and families needing help with alcohol and drug use in Leeds. They have three main centres across Leeds and they aim to reduce risk-taking behaviours through dedicated prevention, early intervention and tailored programmes.
Their website provides a lot more information about their work.
Rape Crisis England and Wales
Rape Crisis England & Wales is a charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. They provide specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse. In Leeds they work with the Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds organisation (SARSVL) who run a helpline for women and girls who have been affected by rape, childhood sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Helpline details:
- Freephone – 0808 802 3344
- Email – support@sarsvl.org.uk
- Text – 07860022880
LGBTQ+ Networks
TransLeeds
TransLeeds supports all transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive people over 18 in Leeds and the surrounding areas. They run four support groups a month, run social events and provide support and advocacy. You can see their more information about them on their website.
Yorkshire MESMAC
Yorkshire MESMAC is one of the oldest and largest sexual health organisations in the country. They offer services to various communities across Yorkshire, including men who have sex with men, people of colour and other marginalised races, people misusing drugs, sex workers and LGBTQ+ young people and adults. They offer a range of mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling, 1-2-1 support, group sessions and training.
You can find more information about the services they offer on their website for Leeds.
They also offer a comprehensive list of social LGBTQ+ groups in Leeds here.
Leeds Queer Film Festival
LQFF is a volunteer-run non-profit organisation which showcases queer cinema with a focus on independent and DIY films. They screen films that elevate and prioritise the voices and work of those most marginalised within our LGBTQ+ communities. You can read more about their work and upcoming events on their website.
Leeds Front Runners
An inclusive community-based running group with strong links to the LGBTQ+ community. They run twice a week in Roundhay Park. You can find out more about the club here.
Flamingo Coffee Shop
Situated in Central Arcade in Leeds City Centre, Flamingos is Leeds' premier queer friendly Coffee House, providing a friendly, safe space for all, 7 days a week. Check out their website here.
The Bookish Type
The Bookish Type is a queer indie bookshop in Leeds based upstairs in the Merrion Centre. They sell a range of queer literature and champion LGBTIQA+ authors and books with queer themes and characters. Read more about their work on their website.
Non-Binary Leeds
Non-Binary Leeds is a peer-led support and social group for non-binary people in Leeds and the surrounding areas. They provide practical information, can provide resources and support and also run socials in Leeds. Read more about the group here.
