All students receive support tailored to their health, emotional and pastoral needs as part of an ecosystem of support.
If you are a student, you can access support from a Wellbeing Adviser by speaking with your School Support Team, or via your Student Adviser or Supervisor.
If you prefer, you can also self-refer to a Wellbeing Adviser by submitting a self-referral form.
If you are a staff member, another student, or an external representative who is concerned about a student, you can refer that student to a Wellbeing Adviser by submitting a referral form.
Our mission
The mission of the Student Wellbeing Service is to:
- Proactively foster a student support environment where health and wellbeing are valued, and visibly valued, with the aim of minimising avoidable escalations
- Promote mental health and wellbeing for students in both group and individual settings
- Engage and provide wellbeing support for students who present with health and wellbeing challenges, and ensure advice is consistent and adheres to wider University regulations
- Be the University’s escalation point for students who need specialised emotional, health and pastoral support, proactively reaching out to individual students of concern as required
- Provide advice and guidance to staff in Schools and Deaneries who identify concerns about a student’s mental health and wellbeing
- Liaise with wellbeing and other specialist services within and outside the University to ensure complex student queries are dealt with effectively
The work of the Student Wellbeing Service is underpinned by the University's Student Suicide Safer Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of suicide and support the wellbeing of all students, whether they are studying in Edinburgh or online.
We recognise that suicide and suicide prevention are complex and sensitive issues, and that talking about them can sometimes feel difficult. Our approach is informed by national best practice, including the Scottish Government's Creating Hope Together strategy, Universities UK's Suicide-safer Universities guidance, and other relevant policies and frameworks.
Our goal is to provide timely, effective and compassionate support to students experiencing psychological distress, suicidal thoughts, or a suicidal crisis. We are committed to reducing stigma around suicide and creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel able to seek help when they need it.
As part of our support, we work collaboratively with students to develop personalised safety plans, helping them identify coping strategies, sources of support, and practical steps to stay safe during periods of distress.
To ensure students receive the right support, we work closely with a range of partners, including private student accommodation providers, local NHS services, local authorities, and third-sector organisations. Through these partnerships, we help coordinate care, strengthen support pathways, and improve access to specialist mental health services for students who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
In the event of an emergency where urgent assistance is required, call 999.
You can find more information about the University's Suicide Safer Strategy here: A suicide-safer University | Students | The University of Edinburgh