Health and Wellbeing
University life is full of opportunities that you must take advantage of. But none of these should come at the expense of your health and wellbeing.
The National Jewish Student Survey, published in 2011, revealed that Jewish students are much more likely to worry about health matters compared to the general student population - 6% are "very worried" and 22% "fairly worried" about their health.
You should be aware of:
The NHS offers some excellent advice on student health. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/studenthealth.
Important Helplines
Abuse
Rape/Indecent Assault Crisis Counselling: 0800 735 0567
Jewish Women’s Aid: 020 8445 8060
Alcohol
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
Drugs Line: 0800 731 0713
Bereavement
Jewish Bereavement counselling service: 020 8385 1847
Careers
Careers Research and Advisory Centre: 01223 460 277
Debt
National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000
Drugs
Drugs Line: 0800 731 0713
National Drugs Help Line: 0800 776 600
Eating disorders
Eating Disorders Association: 0845 634 1414
Gambling
Gamblers Anonymous: 020 7384 3040
General
Jewish Care support hotline: 020 8922 2222
Health
Jewish Association for Mentally Ill: 020 8458 2223
Meningitis Trust: 0800 028 18 28
NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
Jewish Care: 020 8920 4144
Jewish Health Helpline: jewishhl@live.co.uk
Homosexuality
Jewish Lesbian and Gay Group: 0800 028 18 28
Stonewall: 020 7593 1850
Kashrut
Kashrut Hotline: 020 8343 6259
Pregnancy
British Pregnancy Advisory Service: 08457 30 40 30
Family Planning Association: 0845 310 1334
JAT (the Jewish sexual health charity): email jeni@streetwisegb.org
Samaritans
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
Security
Community Security Trust (CST): 020 8457 9999
Self-harm
Self Harm Helpline: 01382 228 555
Sexual health
JAT (the Jewish sexual health charity): email jeni@streetwisegb.org
Terrence Higgins Trust: 020 7812 1600
Smoking
QUIT: 0800 00 22 00
NHS Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 0 169
The National Jewish Student Survey, published in 2011, revealed that Jewish students are much more likely to worry about health matters compared to the general student population - 6% are "very worried" and 22% "fairly worried" about their health.
You should be aware of:
- Medical services – Most universities have their own medical centres linked to the National Health Service. However, you can register with a local practice if you prefer.
- Doctor – If you are moving away from home, make sure that you register with a local doctor just in case you fall ill. To register you’ll need your NHS card or alternatively you can fill out a simple form at the practice. If you do not wish to give up your family doctor, it is possible to register as a temporary resident.
- Dentist – Full-time students under 19 are entitled to free treatment under the NHS. Students over 19 are liable to pay charges up to any limit by the Agency Benefits Unit.
- Optician – Free sight tests are available for full-time students under 19 or if receiving certain benefits. Certain treatment may be obtained free of charge if your university runs an optometry course.
- Sexual health – Some students choose to be sexually active at university and this carries with it the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are at least 25 STIs that are spread by sexual contact, are highly infections and can cause serious health damage. It is vital that you use a condom and have regular check-ups if you are sexually active. All sexual health or ‘GUM’ clinics are free and confidential.
- Nightline – Most universities operate Nightline. This is a local phone number, open 24/7, offering a confidential listening service and is staffed by university students.
- Cleaning Service – Most areas around the UK are covered by Maid2Clean, should you not want to clean.
The NHS offers some excellent advice on student health. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/studenthealth.
Important Helplines
Abuse
Rape/Indecent Assault Crisis Counselling: 0800 735 0567
Jewish Women’s Aid: 020 8445 8060
Alcohol
Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
Drugs Line: 0800 731 0713
Bereavement
Jewish Bereavement counselling service: 020 8385 1847
Careers
Careers Research and Advisory Centre: 01223 460 277
Debt
National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000
Drugs
Drugs Line: 0800 731 0713
National Drugs Help Line: 0800 776 600
Eating disorders
Eating Disorders Association: 0845 634 1414
Gambling
Gamblers Anonymous: 020 7384 3040
General
Jewish Care support hotline: 020 8922 2222
Health
Jewish Association for Mentally Ill: 020 8458 2223
Meningitis Trust: 0800 028 18 28
NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
Jewish Care: 020 8920 4144
Jewish Health Helpline: jewishhl@live.co.uk
Homosexuality
Jewish Lesbian and Gay Group: 0800 028 18 28
Stonewall: 020 7593 1850
Kashrut
Kashrut Hotline: 020 8343 6259
Pregnancy
British Pregnancy Advisory Service: 08457 30 40 30
Family Planning Association: 0845 310 1334
JAT (the Jewish sexual health charity): email jeni@streetwisegb.org
Samaritans
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
Security
Community Security Trust (CST): 020 8457 9999
Self-harm
Self Harm Helpline: 01382 228 555
Sexual health
JAT (the Jewish sexual health charity): email jeni@streetwisegb.org
Terrence Higgins Trust: 020 7812 1600
Smoking
QUIT: 0800 00 22 00
NHS Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 0 169