Resources

Take a look to find the support that's right for you
Resources

Big White Wall

If you are going through a tough time you can now access free online support with Big White Wall. Whether you’re struggling to sleep, feeling low, stressed or unable to cope, Big White Wall can help you get support, take control and feel better.

You will have access to a 24/7 online community and professional support from trained counsellors. Big White Wall provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.

Big White Wall is totally anonymous, so no one will know you’ve chosen to use it unless you tell them!

To join us, simply go to Big White Wall and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your university email address.

SHINE – Self Help Inspiring E-Resources

SHINE is created by students, counsellors and researchers. Watch, read, listen, find apps and useful links to the best online resources and information about mental health and well-being.

SHINE at Plymouth categorises student friendly content on mental health and well-being.

View SHINE resources

Fika – look after your own emotions and stay well

Find out how to download Fika, a mental health improvement platform, to help positively impact wellbeing and performance. 

Online resources

MIND - Find a wide range of advice and information from this national mental health charity.

Students Against Depression - Read stories and suggestions from students who've been affected by depression, low mood or suicidal thoughts. 

NHS self-help leaflets - CBT-based information booklets including CBT exercises.

Living Life to the Full - Take this amazing, free self-help life skills course.

NHS information for students - All kinds of health and wellbeing advice for finding the right balance for university life.

Alcoholics Anonymous - Contact a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other. If you're a family member affected by the drinking of others you may find support from Al-Anon Family Groups. 

Elefriends - Supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it's like to struggle sometimes, but now there's a safe place to listen, share and be heard. 

HeadMeds - Everything you want to know about mental health medication. 

Muslim Youth Helpline - Confidential helpline and support for a wide range of issues including loneliness, depression, issues related to drug abuse and addiction, sexuality and family/friendship issues.

National Sleep Foundation - Discover how sleep affects your health and get lots of tools and tips for sleeping well.

Operation Emotion - Plymouth-based voluntary organisation that operates, encourages and develops services for adult male survivors of sexual abuse. Survivors UK is a national charity that offers web chat and telephone helpline if you would like to talk about male rape and abuse.

Plymouth Pride Forum - Information for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in the Plymouth area including a social/events calendar. Also check out the LGBT Society

Relate -  Counselling, support and information for individuals, couples and all kinds of relationships.

Survivors of child abuse and neglect - Support and information from the NSPCC about who you can talk to regarding historic sexual abuse.

Talk to Frank - Get upfront information on substance use/misuse.

University of Plymouth self-help leaflets

Reading the right kind of self-help info can help you with moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression or other common emotional difficulties. We've created this selection of self-help leaflets which you can download now, free of charge. Hard copies of all these leaflets are available from the Student Hub.

Self-help books

There are many self-help books available, either through your library or online, and lots of them are interactive or include step-by-step guides. 

Here are some books that other students have found helpful whilst waiting for counselling or have used to complement their counselling:

  • 'Beating the blues before they beat you. How to overcome depression' by Robert Leahy
  • 'Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness' by Gillian Butler
  • 'The Worry Cure: Stop worrying and start living' by Robert Leahy
  • 'Overcoming Low Self-Esteem' by Melanie Fennell

Where appropriate your counsellor may talk to you about self-help resources at your initial consultation. In many cases, self-help books are not a replacement for other professional treatment such as counselling, but you may find them empowering and a useful addition to any help you are receiving. 

For more information about the evidence, and more recommended books, go to the Reading Agency or find out more about the national Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme at Plymouth Libraries.

Student Wellbeing Services – Plymouth campus

+44 1752 587676

Student Hub, Charles Seale-Hayne Library, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Opening times: Monday–Friday, 8:30–17:00 (Wednesday open 10:00, Friday close 16:30)