We understand that some students will choose to use alcohol and other drugs during their time at university. If you choose to use drugs, we want to make sure you’ve got the information you need to stay safe and support available should you ever need to speak to someone about your use.  

If alcohol or drug use is having a negative impact on your wellbeing, studies, finances or relationships or you are concerned about a friend, please come and speak with us so we can see what support is best for you.

Specialist sources of support:

Wearewithyou are a local charity in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who help with drug and alcohol usage. They are completely free and offer support and advice.

For alcohol use, you can download the free drinkaware app. For further information, help and advice, check out FRANK.

For drug use, check out the DrugWise website for detailed, evidence-based information. The Priory Group have put together an interactive webpage which gives information about the long term effects of taking drugs. For further information, help and advice, check out Frank and Know the Score. BU has further information on their website.

Bullying can have a significant impact on your mental health and reaching out for support may feel difficult. There are several sources of support available and things you can do to take control of the situation.

Bullying relating to your disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation may constitute a hate incident or hate crime, depending on the circumstances. SUBU Advice offers a confidential and safe space to talk about what has happened and identify the options available to you. This may be getting support with your academic work or making a complaint through the university complaint process.

Cybersmile is a multi award-winning cyber-bullying charity committed to tackling all forms of online bullying and hate campaigns.

If you are being affected by issues such as cyber-bullying, sexting or online harassment, get in touch with Cybersmile for guidance and support.

Email: info@cybersmile.org

Helpline number: 0800 783 1113

Have you been a victim of crime or worried that you are?

We will support you through this process, or get you setup with the correct support services.

Please come and speak with an advisor to get the correct support, no matter the issue.

BU has an online reporting system and Victim support has an online chat function and helpline.

We have STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service) who are at Talbot Campus once a month (Check socials for exact dates)

If you think you may have experienced or witnessed crime you can report by:

• In an emergency, dial 999

• If it’s not an emergency but you are afraid the situation may escalate, dial 101
• For anonymous reporting, contact Crimestoppers
• Alternatively, report the incident online to Dorset Police using the ‘Do it online’ function.

Sexual Consent

Healthy relationships are consensual relationships. In sexual relationships, consent means that both people agree to take part.

It is always up to you whether or not you give consent, and it is your right not to give consent for any reason. If you have had sex with someone before, you do not have to have sex again. If you are in a relationship or married, you too have a right to not give consent. You can also withdraw consent during sex if you change your mind. If any person forces another to engage in sexual activity, the person that is forcing is committing sexual assault or rape, which is illegal.

Consent should be freely given, informed, specific, enthusiastic and can be withdrawn at any time.

Additional Support

If you have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, relationship abuse, or any form of sexual misconduct, support is available whether the incident happened recently or in the past. It is never your fault, and you do not need to make a formal report to access support. Bournemouth University provides information about support services, reporting options and guidance for students affected by sexual assault or harassment through its dedicated Sexual Assault and Harassment webpages. 

SUBU Advice can also provide confidential, independent support. Evie Battistini is a Sexual Violence Practitioner and can support students who have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual violence, harassment, stalking, domestic abuse, or related concerns. She can provide a safe space to talk, help you understand your options, assist with accessing specialist services, and support you through any University processes should you wish to pursue them.

We work closely with a range of specialist services, including STARS Dorset, Rape Crisis England & Wales, The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre, BCHA Domestic Abuse Services and Bournemouth University's Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor (SAHA), and can help you access the support that is right for you.

Specialist Sources of Support

The STARS service run a drop-in at the Student Centre once a month. The service is completely confidential and supports anyone who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has been affected by some form of sexual trauma at anytime in their life, it does not have to be a recent incident and does not have to have occurred in the county.

Victim Support also have some really useful information on their website and you can also contact them for support.

Consent is everything - www.consentiseverything.com/#WhatIsSexualConsent.

Galop works with & for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence galop.org.uk.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, by anyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or age, and can happen in different ways.

Physical abuse

It is not okay when someone physically hurts you, for example by hitting, pinning you down or pinching.

Emotional abuse

Abuse is not only physical, but it can also be emotional too. Emotional abuse is when someone uses emotions to control another, and it can make them feel less confident or scared. Some of the warning signs include name-calling, shouting, blackmail, or being blamed when something goes wrong. Sometimes you and your partner may disagree which is normal, but you should not constantly feel upset in your relationship. Healthy relationships consist of trust and support.

Control

Being forced to change your behaviour is abusive and can include being told what to wear, that you cannot speak to friends or family, or that you cannot study. Sometimes it is good to spend time with your friends apart from your partner. Control can also happen through technology. If your partner listens to your phone calls without permission, monitors your social media profiles or shows an intimate picture of you to other people without your consent, these can be abusive acts.

Support available to you

BCHA are a local charity who also run The Retreat on Talbot Campus. They also have a Domestic Abuse Support Team. They can be contacted here:

Call: 01202 710 777
Email: abusesupport@bcha.org.uk

Paragon is a service setup by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Their teams work across Dorset and offer practical and emotional support.

Phone: 0800 032 5204
Email: ParagonDorset@theyoutrust.org.uk

NCDV is a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation www.ncdv.org.uk.

If you, or people around you, are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

Support services

• Talk to your GP
• Beat - the UK's eating disorder charity provides a range of support including: Studentline 0808 801 0811 and one-to-one web chat
• Dorset Eating Disorder Services
• FREEDFROMED
• Kooth app
• Preparing for uni – a guide for those recovering from an eating disorder.

Whether it’s £5 on the footie every weekend, a late night ‘fun’ trip to the casino or at events, compulsive gambling can have a significant impact on your relationships, health and finances.

If gambling has become part of your everyday life and you are unable to stop, you should consider whether you have a problem with gambling. There is lots of support available if you would like to stop.

Do I have a problem with gambling?

If you’re unsure if your gambling should be a concern then you can complete the Gamcare self-assessment tool: How safe is your gambling? It takes a few minutes to complete and it's free and anonymous. You can also learn more about gambling on the Gamcare website.

Specialist sources of support

• Ara Recovery4All - Ara offer free advice, ongoing support, 1 to 1 counselling and workshops to anyone struggling with their own gambling, or affected by someone else’s gambling. Services or advice can be accessed directly by:
  • Emailing Kai McConkey - Ara Gambling Community Engagement Lead (Dorset) kaimcconkey@recovery4all.co.uk or calling 07950 911452
  • Contacting Ara at info@recovery4all.co.uk or calling 0330 1340 286
• YGAM for students
• Addiction Helper - what is gaming addiction?
• GamCare – for local support, please email southwest@gamcare.org.uk

If you are a friend or family member affected by someone else’s gambling then GamAnon can support you.

Come talk to SUBU Advice if you need more guidance on where to start.

BU have further information about gambling and gaming awareness.

There is a variety of support available both at the university, and within SUBU to support you with your mental health and wellbeing.

Need Urgent support?

University Front Room on Talbot Campus - this is a confidential, safe and welcoming space where you can speak to support workers, volunteers and peer specialists. 

If you are struggling to cope and feel yourself reaching crisis point, the University Front Room, based on Talbot Campus, provides a confidential, safe and welcoming space where you can speak to support workers, volunteers and peer specialists – all of whom have experienced mental health issues. It's one of three drop-in locations, with one in Bournemouth town centre and the other in Dorchester.

Opening days and times: Monday to Saturday, 2pm to 9pm
Location: Tolpuddle Annexe 2, Talbot Campus

You can also call the Student Assistance Programme - a free 24-hour confidential helpline and digital resource to support BU students with personal or student-related problems.

Thinking of getting support?

Student Wellbeing on Talbot Campus

• The Student Wellbeing service specialises in providing support for students who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood 
• Their team of Wellbeing Advisers offer short-term practical advice and teach self-care techniques for stress, anxiety or low mood but can also help with a range of other personal issues including panic, homesickness, and difficulties eating or sleeping.
• To speak to someone from the Counselling and Wellbeing Team,  complete our online enquiry form. You'll need to choose ‘Counselling and mental health support’ from the drop-down options.

Faith & Reflection

The Faith & Reflection Centre is located on the first floor of Talbot House on Talbot Campus. It's open Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm. 

This is not just for students with faith - the chaplaincy provides a safe space on campus to walk in and chat about any worries or concerns you have while waiting for counselling or in need of a last minute chat.

Get engaged at SUBU

SUBU Clubs and Societies are student-led groups that bring students together based on a shared common interest.

Want to share a meal? Check out our supper clubs which we run once a month with a variety of students getting together to share a free hot meal.

Checkout the SUBU What’s on page for events and activities to meet new people, make friends and feel part of a community.

Come to the SUBU Advice Office between 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday to speak to an advisor and we can anonymously flag this to get them support. Or, if out of hours and cannot wait until the next day, please contact the university Welfare Duty Officer at 01202 962222.

Student Minds have also written a great guide on how to support others, available on this link: Look After Your Mate Guide - A Student Minds Resource.

When supporting a friend, remember to make time for yourself by keeping up with your usual interests and hobbies. If you find it tough worrying about your friend, seek support from someone removed from the situation. Also, set boundaries; you may not be able to help your friend with everything but you can help restore their confidence by allowing them to do things for themselves.

To find out more visit Student Minds - Tips to look after yourself.

Staying safe and looking out for your friends is really important.

Here are a few basic tips for when you're out and about:

• Plan Ahead & Stay Aware – Know your route, transport timings, and have details of a licensed taxi service or other safe transport option. Stay alert, avoid distractions like headphones, and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Stick to Safe Areas – Walk on busy, well-lit streets, avoid isolated spots, and pass stationary cars cautiously. If you feel unsafe, head to a public place with people.
• Trust Your Instincts & Take Action – If followed, cross the road, check behind you, and move toward a busy area. Inform others and call 999 if necessary.
• Keep Valuables Secure – Distribute valuables in different places, use inside pockets or a money belt, and keep hands free when walking.
• Car & Personal Safety – Avoid isolated car parks, keep enough fuel, lock doors/windows when alone, have keys ready, and consider carrying a personal safety alarm. 

BU have some information about staying safe on and off campus: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/help-advice/safety-personal-security.

You can also report an accident or incident through the BU website: forms.bournemouth.ac.uk/AccidentAndIncident#/reportingPerson.

If you require support with this pop in and see an Advisor who will be able to assist you with this. Please note this form can be filled in anonymously.