Your Safe Space – Report + Support is QA Higher Education’s confidential tool for sharing concerns and accessing support.
You can use it to:
You do not need to know what action you want before using Your Safe Space: Report + Support
Support is available whenever you need it. Our Student Assistance Programme (SAP) gives all QA Higher Education students free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whether you’re experiencing a difficult time or simply need someone to talk to, you can access:
The Wisdom App provides wellbeing support wherever you are, whenever you need it. Through the app, you can access:
24/7 Helpline: 0800 028 3766
Website: Wisdom
Code to use to register: MHA339939
Download the Wisdom App: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Code to use to register: MHA339939
All support is free, confidential and available to every QA Higher Education student throughout their studies.
Your safety matters. If you’re worried about your own safety or someone else’s, our Safeguarding Team is here to listen, support you and help you access the right help.
Everyone needs support sometimes. If personal circumstances are affecting your wellbeing, daily life or studies, our Welfare Team is here to help you explore your options and find practical solutions.
Money worries can happen to anyone. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, we can help you understand your options, access financial support and develop confidence in managing your finances.
Money worries can affect your wellbeing and your ability to focus on your studiesWe can help you with budgeting, managing living costs, exploring your financial options, and accessing the support available to you.
If you’re experiencing unexpected financial hardship, you may also be eligible to apply for the QA Higher Education Discretionary Hardship Fund or, if eligible, the Care Leaver Bursary.
Student budget calculatorWe understand that asking for support can feel difficult, and you may be worried about who will know you’ve reached out. We treat the information you share with us sensitively, respectfully and, wherever possible, confidentially.
In most situations, what you tell us will stay between you and the member of staff supporting you. We will only share information with other colleagues or external services if it is necessary to support you, if you have given your consent, or if we believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where we have a legal or safeguarding duty to do so.
Wherever possible, we will explain what information needs to be shared, why it needs to be shared, and who it will be shared with. Our aim is to work with you openly and transparently, ensuring you remain involved in decisions about your support wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
If you have any questions about confidentiality or how your information will be used, please speak to a member of the team supporting you, we’ll be happy to explain.
Looking after your physical health is an important part of your wellbeing while you’re studying. We strongly recommend that you register with a local GP (doctor) and dentist as soon as possible after arriving at university. This makes it easier to access healthcare when you need it.
Register with a GP
Your GP is your first point of contact for most physical and mental health concerns. They can provide routine healthcare, prescribe medication, offer mental health support, and refer you to specialist NHS services if needed.
Find a Dentist
Regular dental check-ups are important for your health. If you don’t already have a dentist, you can search for NHS dental practices in your area.
NHS 111
If you need medical advice and you’re not sure what to do, contact your GP or call NHS 111, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NHS 111 can assess your symptoms, direct you to the most appropriate service, and arrange urgent care if needed. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the NHS 111 Relay UK service by dialling 18001 111.
Walk-in Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres
If you have a minor illness or injury that can’t wait for a GP appointment, you may be able to visit an NHS Walk-in Centre or Urgent Treatment Centre. These services treat conditions such as minor infections, sprains, cuts, burns and minor fractures.
Police
If you need to report a crime or speak to the police about a non-emergency situation, call 101.
Emergency Services
Call 999 immediately if someone is seriously ill or injured, there is an immediate risk to life, or a crime is in progress. Ask for the appropriate emergency service (Ambulance, Police or Fire and Rescue).
Having somewhere safe and secure to live is an important part of your wellbeing. If you’re worried about your accommodation, struggling to find somewhere to live, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing problems with your landlord or tenancy, support is available.
Although QA Higher Education does not provide student accommodation, our Welfare Team can help you explore your housing options, search for accommodation, understand the terms of your tenancy agreement, and access the right support. While we are not able to provide legal advice, we can offer guidance, signpost you to specialist housing organisations, and, where appropriate and with your consent, advocate on your behalf with landlords, accommodation providers or other agencies.
If you’re experiencing homelessness or are at immediate risk of losing your accommodation, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you access the most appropriate support.
Shelter
If you require housing advice contact an expert housing advisor on 0808 800 4444. They are open 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm on weekends.
If your situation is urgent and you have nowhere to sleep, might be homeless soon, are at risk of harm or feeling very overwhelmed about your housing situation, then you can call the emergency helpline on 0808 1644 660.
You may also be able to contact your local Council for advice and assistance.
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about someone else, you don’t have to face it alone. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or coercive and controlling behaviour. Whatever your situation, support is available.
Our Welfare Team, Mental Health Practitioner and Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental support. We can:
You do not have to report the abuse or leave your situation to receive support.
Refuge
You can speak to a member of the National Domestic Violence Helpline team. The team will provide a listening ear if you want to talk about your experiences and support you to work through your options in the short and long term. The Helpline can also help you to access refuge accommodation, or other specialist domestic violence services, if you need them.
The below helplines are available 24/7:
Women’s and Children’s Advice line: 0808 200 0247
Men’s Advice line: 0808 801 0327
RSVP – Rape and Sexual Violence Project
Call: 0121 643 0301
Website: rsvporg.co.uk
Muslim Women’s Network
Call: 0800 999 5786
Website: mwnuk.co.uk
GALOP – the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
Website: galop.org.uk
Emergency Services
If you or a member of your family are in immediate danger call 999 to get some immediate help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope, experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, you’re not alone. Support is available, and we’re here to help.
Our Mental Health Practitioners, Welfare Team and Safeguarding Team provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental support. We can:
Mental Health Practitioners
Student Assistance Programme and Wisdom App
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Student Assistance Programme (SAP). You can access free, confidential counselling, emotional support and practical advice whenever you need it.
The Wisdom App provides self-help resources, wellbeing tools, mindfulness exercises, mood tracking, podcasts and crisis guidance, giving you access to support anytime, anywhere.
Additional Support
Please note: Reasons to Stay is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support or you’re at immediate risk, contact the Student Assistance Programme, Samaritans, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.
Emergency Support
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm, or you have acted on thoughts of suicide, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, sexual assault, rape, harassment, stalking or any other form of sexual misconduct, you’re not alone. Our Student Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are here to provide confidential, non-judgemental support in a safe and supportive environment.
Our SVLOs can:
You do not have to report what has happened to receive support.
Specialist Support
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
provide free, confidential medical care and emotional support for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. You can access a SARC whether or not you choose to report to the police. They can provide forensic medical examinations, healthcare, crisis support and referrals to ongoing services.
Rape Crisis
The national Rape Crisis helpline is open 12 noon – 2.30pm and 7 – 9.30pm every day of the year.
You can call them on:
Women’s advice line: 0808 802 9999
National Male Survivors Helpline: 0808 800 5005
Emergency Services
You may also wish to make a report to the Police on 101 (non-emergency) or if you are in immediate danger contact 999.
Our Welfare Team is here to provide compassionate, confidential support to any students who may be affected by natural disasters or situations involving war and conflict. We understand that these events can have a significant emotional and practical impact, whether they are happening close to home or affecting family, friends, or communities abroad. No matter your circumstances, you are not alone—our team is committed to listening, understanding, and helping you navigate any challenges you may be experiencing.
We can offer a range of support, including emotional wellbeing guidance, practical advice, and signposting to additional services where needed. If you are struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, we encourage you to reach out. Our priority is to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and able to continue their learning in a positive environment.
Welfare Team – QAHE.Welfare@qa.com
Mental Health Practitioners – qahe.mentalhealthsupport@qa.com
Student Assistance Programme – Wisdom Code to use to register: MHA339939
London Team
Birmingham Team
Manchester Team
Our Safeguarding, Student Life and Wellbeing Team are always on hand to support you with any queries or personal matters that you may come across during your studies. Our friendly team are here to help, so do not be afraid to ask for their support and advice, no matter how big or small you think your issue is.
Email: qahe.welfare@qa.com
QA Mental Health Support
Access dedicated support from our mental health practitioners in person or online.