A woman looks in a shop window filled with Christmas decorations

#Happy Holidays #Help and Support

Help & Support Over The Holidays

This winter break, LUU Help & Support will be closed from 3pm Friday 23 December, reopening on Tuesday 3 January. This means that our Help & Support offering will be a little different during this time.  

Even while we’re shut, you can rest assured that there’s still plenty of help available – whether you need some support or would just like to connect with others during the break via events and online resources.

Take a look at the links below to see what support can be accessed over the festive period, as well as handy information on Union and University opening times.

Practical support from LUU

Whilst LUU Help & Support will be closed for a period across Christmas and New Year, there is still helpful guidance available online. For practical advice on everything from how to access emotional support to housing, financial or academic issues, just ask your question to Knowledge Owl, our 24/7 self-help tool.

Need-to-know info from the University

For information on opening times for the Edge, how to access a Study Space, wellbeing and mental health resources and support available from the University, head to their Holiday Info page.

Emergency/urgent help

  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger and needs assistance, please call 999.
  • For any non-urgent medical queries contact NHS 111 via their website.
  • If you are in crisis and urgently need to speak to someone, call the Connect Helpline on 0800 800 1212 9 (Open 365 days 6pm – 2am) or The Samaritans on 116 123.
  • If you need urgent help on campus or in University accommodation, you can contact the University Security Service Emergency number +44 (0) 113 343 2222 - this is a 24 hour service.

Discover more on the University’s Help in an Emergency page.

Emotional support and connection

  • Free, confidential, 24/7 support is available by text message from Shout 85258. Text ‘shout’ to 85258 or visit their site for more information.
  • Togetherall is a free, anonymous supportive online community available for students 24/7.
  • If it’s community you’re looking for, it’s well worth joining the Leeds Student Community Facebook Group to connect with other students while you’re away from campus.
  • Student Space is a national support service from Student Minds offering telephone, webchat and text based support throughout the day, and during evenings and weekends.
  • Leeds Mental Health helpline is available 24/7, providing confidential support, advice, information, referrals and guidance for anyone concerned about their mental health. Call the helpline on 0800 183 0558.
  • Nightline is a confidential listening and information service run by student volunteers. You can contact them over the break via instant messaging, usually from 8pm-12am – just check their social media to ensure it’s running. Visit their website for more information.
  • Winter Sport and Physical Activity Programme can be found here.

Remember – if you’re struggling, there’s always support out there. We hope you have a restful and enjoyable break that’s free from stress and worry, and we look forward to seeing you in 2023.