Useful Contacts
Here is a list of contacts you might find useful while at university
Alcohol
National
Alcoholics Anonymous www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Email help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
(Manchester) Phone 0161 839 2881, (National) Phone 0845 769 7555
Support for people who want to stop drinking
Drinkline Helpline 0800 917 8282 Open 24hours
Confidential information, advice and self-help materials for people worried about their drinking. Also supports family and friends of people who are drinking.
Down Your Drink www.downyourdrink.org.uk
Interactive website designed to assess whether you are drinking too much and with information to help you drink more safely.
Manchester
Manchester Alcohol Team http://www.manchestercat.org/
Phone 0161 225 9293 Offers a confidential service for people over the age of 16 who are using alcohol unsafely Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Alcohol and Drug Services www.alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk
Email info@ADSolutions.org.uk Phone 0161 834 9777 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Help for people with alcohol and drug problems – centres in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Leeds
Cheshire
Alcohol Services in Cheshire Email mail.asc@mcas.org.uk Phone 01270 580 243
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Alcohol advice, information and counselling and access to detoxification. Based in Crewe.
Drugs
National
Drugs Scope www.drugScope.org.uk Email services@drugScope.org.uk Phone 020 7940 7550 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Information about drugs including a searchable database of drug treatment services ‘find a drug service’.
Know Cannabis www.knowcannnabis.org.uk
An interactive website designed to help people assess their cannabis use, its impact and how to make changes if you want to.
National Drugs Helpline (Talk to Frank) www.talktofrank.com
Textphone 0800 917 8765 Email frank@talktofrank.com Helpline 0800 77 66 00
Open 24hrs
Information and advice about drugs.
Manchester
DASH – Drug Advice & Sexual Health Phone 0161 868 0249 Open Mon –Fri 10am-5pm
Support for drug users, their relatives, dependents and friends including alternative therapies and counselling. Advice on sexual health.
Manchester Drug Service The Bridge (North & Central) Phone 0161 273 4040
A confidential service for people with drug problems (opiate & stimulant users)
Cheshire
Central Cheshire Drugs Service Phone 01270 216 118 Open various times. Based in Crewe with site services in Winsford & Northwich.
Provides a wide range of services to help people deal with substance misuse & dependence
Druglink North Staffordshire Phone 01782 425100 Open various times
Advice, support and counselling for drug users and concerned others
Eating Disorders
National
Beat - Beating Eating Disorders www.b-eat.co.uk
Email help@b-eat.co.uk
Helpline 0845 634 1414 Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-8.30pm Sat 1pm-4.30pm
Beat - For Young People (25yrs & under) Email fyp@b-eat.co.uk Helpline 0845 634 7650
Open 4.30pm-8.30pm Mon-Fri, Sat 1pm-4.30pm (Messages returned)
Information and help on all aspects of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating disorder and related eating disorders.
North West Centre for Eating Disorders www.oakwoodhouse.co.uk Email info@oakwoodhouse.co.uk Phone 0161 480 0882 Open at various times . Based in Stockport.
A range of services specifically designed to meet the needs of people struggling with eating disorders, and their family and friends. GP & self referral (if self funding).
HIV and Aids
Manchester
Body Positive www.bpnw.org.uk Helpline 0161 882 2202
Open 10am-10pm - 7 days a week
Support for people with HIV living in the North West. Services include a confidential helpline, clinic advisors, drop-in centre and a dedicated team to help with any health & social care enquiries.
Hospitals
Manchester
Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) Phone 0161 276 1234 Open 24hrs
North Manchester General HospitalPhone 0161 795 4567 Open 24hrs
Withington Hospital Phone 0161 434 5555 Open 24hrs
Wythenshawe Phone 0161 998 7070 Open 24hrs
Cheshire
Leighton HospitalPhone 01270 255141 Open 24hrs
University Hospital North Staffs Phone 01782 715444 Open 24hrs
Housing
National
Shelter www.shelter.org.uk National Helpline 0808 800 4444 Open Mon-Sun 8am to midnight or Manchester Shelter Office Phone 0344 515 1640 Open various times
Specialist advice on housing problems
Manchester
Housing Advice Line Manchester City Council Phone 0161 234 5678 Open 10am-4pm
Men’s Quick Access Centres Phone0161 234 1045 Open 24 hours all year
Women's Direct Access Centre Phone 0161 234 4692 (office hours), 0161 219 6050 (out of office hours)
Women (without children) Homelessness Phone 0161 228 1294 Open 24hrs
Young Persons Team Housing (16-25 years old) Phone 0161 234 5356 Open office hours
Cheshire
Chester Aid for the Homeless (CATH) http://www.cath.org.uk/ Phone 01244 314834 Open office hours Provides care, shelter, advice and support to single homeless people in the Chester area.
Medical Health
National
NHS Direct Online www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Open 24hrs
Website offers a wide range of health information including a searchable database to find your local health services. Call NHS Direct for nurse advice and health information.
Manchester
Manchester Royal Infirmary NHS Walk-In Centre (Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester) Open Monday to Friday 10am-10pm and on Weekends and Bank Holidays 10am-5pm Phone 0161 276 5193
For patients with minor illnesses and injuries, drop-in access to health advice and treatment.
To find your local NHS Walk-In Centre follow this link and enter your postcode
www.nhs.uk/england/noappointmentneeded/walkincentres/nearestsearch.aspx
Mental Health
National
BlueSCI www.bluesci.org.uk A range of creative and supportive opportunities in Trafford Phone 0161 912 4828
Campaign Against Living Miserable www.thecalmzone.net Supporting young men 15-35. Helpline 5pm to midnight Sat to Tues. Phone 0800585858
Crisis Point Phone 0161 225 9500 Open 8am - Midnight
Mental Health Crisis Centre, Manchester
42nd Street www.fortysecondstreet.org.uk
Supporting 14-25's stress and mental health (not students) Phone 0161 832 0170 Open Mon, Thursday, Friday 12.30-4.30pm
Living Life to the Full www.livinglifetothefull.com
A free on-line life skills course covering issues such as assertiveness, relaxation, sleep problems and negative thinking.
Mood Gym www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
A free self help program to teach cognitive behavioural therapy skills to people vulnerable to anxiety and depression
Saneline www.sane.org.uk SANEmail@sane.org.uk Helpline 0845 767 8000 Open 6pm-11pm every day
Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.
Student Depression www.studentdepression.org
Website offering information, discussion and self-help about depression.
Manchester
Self Help Services http://selfhelpservices.org.uk/our-services/ Phone 0161 226 3871
Delivers a range of primary mental health care services and initiatives across the North West for people experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and low mood including computerized cognitive behavioural therapy.
Zion Community Resource Centre www.biglifegroup.com
Phone 0161 226 5412 Open at various times see website
A range of services including counselling, self-help groups and complementary therapies.
Health Advocacy Resource Project http://www.mind.org.uk/help/mind_in_your_area/337
Phone 0161 226 9970 Open Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Offers a number of services related to mental health.
Cheshire
North Staffordshire Mind www.nsmind.org.uk Phone 01782 262100 Open Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm (answer phone out of hours)
Offers a range of services related to mental health issues including counselling, anger management and complementary therapies.
Police
University Police Liaison Officer (Manchester) PC Scott Schofield Phone 0161 275 7042 Open 24hrs (this is not for emergency calls).
Pregnancy
National
British Pregnancy Advisory Service www.bpas.org For appointments 08457 30 40 30
Open for bookings 24/7
Provides services to prevent or end pregnancy through abortion or contraception.
National/Manchester
Brook (under 25's) www.brook.org.uk National Helpline 0808 802 1234 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Brook Manchester (under 20’s) Phone 0161 237 3001
Free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people.
Cheshire
Stoke Pregnancy Advisory Service Phone 01782 632 784
Open Mon-Fri1 9.30am-4.30pm
Free pregnancy testing, consultation and assessment by experienced staff, immediate appointments, on-site scanning, chlamydia screening and nurse led clinics are available.
Relationships and Sex
National/Manchester/Cheshire
www.bbc.co.uk/relationships
Website with information about love, intimacy and all aspects of relationships.
Terence Higgins Trust www.tht.org.uk Phone 0802 802 1221 Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm Saturday 12noon-6pm
Information for support and advice about HIV and sexual health.
RELATE www.relate.org.uk Phone 0300 100 1234 (National), Relate Manchester South Email enquiries@relategms.co.uk
Relate offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website.
Sexual Assault
National
Survivors (for Males) www.survivorsuk.org Emailinfo@survirosuk.org
Phone 0845 122 1201 Open Mon &Tues 7pm-10pm, Thursday 12noon-2.30pm
Support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused.
Manchester
St. Mary's Centre (for men & women) www.stmaryscentre.org Phone 0161 276 6515 Open 24hrs
High quality, comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling, and medical services for men and women in Greater Manchester who have experienced rape or sexual assault, and their supporters.
Manchester Rape Crisis (for females)www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
Helpline 0161 273 4500 Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Weds 6pm-9pm, Thurs 6pm-9pm, Run by women for women and girls
A confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused.
Cheshire
SAVANA http://www.savana.org.uk/RapeSexualAssaultPhone 01782 221000 Open 9.30am-4pm (answerphone out of hours – will call back)
Support, resources and counselling for girls and women, boys and men, who have experienced sexual violence.
Sexuality
National
London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard www.llgs.org.uk Email admin@llgs.org.uk Helpline 0300 330 0630 Open 10am-11pm
Information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people from all backgrounds throughout the United Kingdom.
Manchester
Lesbian & Gay Foundation www.lgf.org.ukEmail: info@lgf.org.uk
Helpline 0845 3 30 30 30 Open 10am -10pm 365 days a year
Support for lesbian, gay and bi-sexual people in the North-West
Cheshire
North Staffs Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Switchboard
Phone 01782 266998 Open Mon, Weds, Fri 8am-10pm
Provides information, advice and counselling to anyone regarding lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. This service is available to anyone.
Sexual Health
National
Sexual Health Line Helpline 0800 567 123 Opening 24hrs
A confidential telephone service with advice about HIV, AIDS, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, local services, clinics and support services.
Manchester
Manchester Centre for Sexual Heath http://www.manchestersexualhealth.org/
For appointments 0161 276 5200 (male) 0161 276 5212 (female) Open various see website
Sexual health check ups, treatment and information, walk in service.
Palantine Contraception and Sexual Health Services
http://www.cmft.nhs.uk/community-services/our-services/contraception-sexual-health-service.aspx
Phone 0161 901 1555, Open at various time see website
Services include emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, walk-in clinics.
Cheshire
Sexual Health Clinic at Leighton Hospital Phone 01270 212019
Sexual health check ups, treatment and information.
Eaton House Resource Centre Phone 01270 506700
Sexual health check ups, treatment and information.
Stopping Smoking
Manchester Stop Smoking Service www.manchesterstopsmoking.co.uk provides free NHS support to help you quit smoking. Support is available from trained professional advisors at a number of venues across the city including pharmacies, GP practices, community centres, local markets etc. The service is open to anyone who lives or works in Manchester.
Suicidal Feelings
National
Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk Email jo@samaritans.org.uk Phone 08457 90 90 90 (local rate) Open 24hrs
Confidential non-judgemental support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Domestic Violence
National
Men’s Advice Line www.mensadviceline.org.uk email info@mensadviceline.org.uk Helpline 0808 801 0327 Open Monday-Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm
A range of services aimed primarily at men experiencing domestic abuse from their partner.
Women’s Aid www.womensaid.org.uk Email helpline@womensaid.org.uk Helpline 0808 2000 247 Open 24hrs
Support and advocacy from women and children are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence.
Manchester
SAHELI Email saheliltd@btconnect.com Phone 0161 945 4187 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Support for Asian women and children experiencing domestic violence. Run by women.
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline www.wdvh.org.uk Helpline 0161 636 7525
Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Tuesdays 10am-7pm
Advice, information telephone counselling and support offered by women to women who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence. Also acts as referral point for refuges, safe houses and other agencies that assist women.
Victim Support
National
Victim Support www.victimsupport.org.uk Email supportline@victimsupport.org.uk Helpline 0845 30 30 900 Open 9am - 9pm Mon- Fri, 9am-7pm weekends, 9am - 5pm bank holidays
Free and confidential support and information to help people deal with the effects of crime.
Other Useful Organisations
Action for M.E. www.afme.org.uk Email admin@afme.org.uk Phone 0845 123 2314 Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
Support for people with M.E..
Chinese Mental Health Association. www.cmha.org.uk
Support, information & awareness raising.
Forced Marriage Unit www.fco.gov.uk (under Forced Marriages) Email fmu@fco.gov.uk
Phone 020 7008 0151 Open 9am-5pm (in emergency,outside office hours 020 7008 1500).
Offering information & confidential advice from caseworkers the FMU is a government department dedicated to preventing British Nationals being forced into marriage overseas.
Gamblers Anonymous www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk see website for contact information
Help for people with gambling problems.
UKCOSA www.ukcosa.org.uk
Advice for international students studying or planning to study in the UK. Also advice for UK students planning to study abroad.
Bright Knowledge http://www.brightknowledge.org/
Guidance on student life (money, independent living, health) education and careers.
UKCISA www.ukcisa.org.uk
Advice and information for international students
Wai Yin Chinese Women Society www.waiyin.org.uk Helpline 0161 237 5908