Support

From time to time, university life can feel like a challenge and you may need support.

Our Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing team have a wealth of expertise and are here to listen and help. If you are feeling anxious or worried, or just need someone to talk to in confidence, please get in touch today.

How we can help

You can access help for your mental health and wellbeing from our service in the following ways:

  • One-to-one appointments with our team of specialists, who can make recommendations based on your needs and make referrals to other support services
  • We offer a range of wellbeing workshops and courses on a range of topics including managing stress, overcoming social anxiety and mindfulness
  • You can access a range of online self-help information 24/7, including our wellbeing podcasts
  • We can also refer you to an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme called SilverCloud

Don’t worry if you are unsure as to what type of help you need, the important thing is to take that first step and get in touch.

Read our service pledge which outlines our commitment to you, as well as our aims and values.

How you can help us

We are a very busy service and want to offer you support as quickly as possible.  Please help us to do this by giving as much notice as possible if you cannot attend your appointment. If you cancel at short notice or do not attend we are unable to offer the slot to another student.

Contact us

We are available 8:45am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Call: 0161 247 3493

Email: counselling@mmu.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • HOW DO I GET SUPPORT FROM THE SERVICE?

    If you haven’t previously accessed the support from our service, please contact us by phoning 0161 247 3493 or emailing counselling@mmu.ac.uk to book an initial assessment appointment.  

    Initial assessment appointments can be up to 45 minutes long and will provide tailored advice on the best way forward for you.

    For all in-person appointments: please do not attend the appointment if you are feeling unwell or have Covid-related symptoms, instead you should contact the Service to convert your appointment to virtual or rearrange for a time when you are feeling better.

    You may also wish to sign up to one of our regular workshops and courses or take a look at our self-help information. As a Manchester Met student you also have access to the Togetherall platform, providing 24/7 mental health support and a safe space to talk with your peers.

    We are a very busy service and want to offer you support as quickly as possible.  Please help us to do this by giving as much notice as possible if you cannot attend your appointment. If you cancel at short notice or do not attend we are unable to offer the slot to another student.

  • WHAT HAPPENS IN MY INITIAL ASSESSMENT?

    At an initial assessment appointment we want to look at the best way forward for you. We may recommend individual counselling, group therapy, a course or a workshop, self-help materials or a referral to a specialist service.

    If individual counselling is recommended you are likely to have to wait for ongoing appointments. We will make recommendations of things you can do which will be helpful in the meantime.

    Before attending your initial assessment, you will be asked to register with our service and complete a short questionnaire about how you’ve been feeling.

    Before using our service, you might want to read information about counselling and confidentiality.

    For all in-person appointments: please do not attend the appointment if you are feeling unwell or have Covid-related symptoms, instead you should contact the Service to convert your appointment to virtual or rearrange for a time when you are feeling better.

    We are a very busy service and want to offer you support as quickly as possible.  Please help us to do this by giving as much notice as possible if you cannot attend your appointment. If you cancel at short notice or do not attend we are unable to offer the slot to another student.

  • WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

    Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows you to talk about your problems in a non-judgemental environment. Our team of specialists are trained to work with you on personal and emotional issues.

    Sometimes it is useful to speak to friends and family but counselling is an opportunity for you to speak with an impartial person and help to bring about effective change or enhance wellbeing.

    Counselling is planned and contracted, and one or two sessions may be sufficient.

    No issue is considered not important enough if it is causing concern. It may be just a matter of talking through a difficult choice or dilemma, or it may be exploring something more distressing. Some common issues include self-esteem, anxiety, depression, low mood, motivation, family and relationships, identity, sexuality, loss, and the effects of abuse or other trauma.

  • WILL MY APPOINTMENT BE ONLINE OR IN-PERSON?

    We offer appointments via video call or in-person. 

    For all in-person appointments: please do not attend the appointment if you are feeling unwell or have Covid-related symptoms, instead you should contact the Service to convert your appointment to virtual or rearrange for a time when you are feeling better.

    If you have any queries or would like to arrange an appointment, please call us on 0161 247 3493 or email counselling@mmu.ac.uk.

    We are a very busy service and want to offer you support as quickly as possible.  Please help us to do this by giving as much notice as possible if you cannot attend your appointment. If you cancel at short notice or do not attend we are unable to offer the slot to another student.

  • I'M ON THE WAITING LIST FOR COUNSELLING BUT STRUGGLING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

    If counselling has been recommended after your initial assessment, you are likely to have to wait for ongoing appointments and our team will make recommendations of things you can do that will be helpful in the meantime.

    However, if you are struggling whilst waiting for an appointment please contact us by phoning 0161 247 3493 or emailing counselling@mmu.ac.uk, explaining that you are on our waiting list. 

  • WHERE IS THE SERVICE LOCATED?

    Our service is located in a dedicated space in the Business School:

    Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, Room 1.03, First Floor, Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6BH

    Download a campus map or view building access maps.

    If you have any queries or would like to arrange an appointment, please call us on 0161 247 3493 or email counselling@mmu.ac.uk.

    For all in-person appointments: please do not attend the appointment if you are feeling unwell or have Covid-related symptoms, instead you should contact the Service to convert your appointment to virtual or rearrange for a time when you are feeling better.

  • I'M CONCERNED ABOUT A STUDENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

    Information for family and friends

    We do understand that it can be distressing to know that someone you care about is having a difficult time. We cannot reveal information about students who use our service because it is confidential but we will listen to your concerns and take appropriate action, including assisting you in making choices about how you might help. Please click here for further information.

    If you are really concerned, encourage them to follow the steps for help in crisis and call us for advice on 0161 247 3493 and we will arrange for you to speak to a member of our team.

    Information for staff

    If you are a member of staff concerned about the wellbeing of a student, you can find detailed guidance on the Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service intranet page.

  • WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT THE SERVICE I'VE RECEIVED?

    If you have a concern with the service you have received, please email counselling@mmu.ac.uk in the first instance with some information about the nature of the complaint or issue. This information will be passed on to the Head of Service who will respond accordingly.

Useful resources