You are not alone, you are important and it's ok to ask for help

Looking after your mental health

Winter can be a hard time of year, especially when we are still dealing with all the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus.

Talk to someone

While it is normal to feel worried, if you are starting to feel like things are getting too much, it’s important to speak to someone, whether that’s a friend, a family member, a teacher or a helpline. 

Stick to a routine

If you are working or studying from home, simple things like setting your alarm, exercising and eating healthy food can make a huge difference to your mood.

Limit your time on social media 

It’s important to stay informed, but if social media, and the news in general is causing you stress, try and limit what you are reading. 

If your life, or someone else's life is in danger, call 999

Feel Better Leeds

Brought to you by the NHS in Leeds, Feel Better is here to keep you happy, healthy and feeling your best this winter.

The Feel Better Coronavirus Support Guide has been developed following local research with young people which found that 16-19-year-olds would appreciate additional wellbeing support. The guide features tips for getting through self-isolation and includes ideas for staying active, making a daily plan and looking after mental wellbeing. The guide also offers information on where to get a COVID-19 test and how to access local support services.​

Helpful Organisations

Below we have listed organisations that offer support all year round and will be available over the Christmas break. Please don’t feel alone, talk to someone. 

  • Young Minds Crisis Text: the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.
  • Samaritans - for everyone, free number, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 116 123
  • Mindmate - for under 18 year olds, information, games and sources of support to help you keep well and stay safe.
  • Mindwell - help, support and crisis information for for 18 - 25 year olds
  • Leeds Connect Helpline - for everyone in Leeds, every night of the year, 6pm to 2am, speak to a crisis support worker for an hour - 0113 260 9328
  • Safer Leeds - help available for domestic violence and abuse during the coronavirus outbreak
  • The Market Place - for 11-25 year olds in Leeds, taking referrals for long and short term counselling tel: 0113 246 1659
  • Andy’s Man Club - for men aged 18+, online help available until the club re-opens
  • Sign Health - Text DEAF to 85258 for text crisis support for deaf people 
  • Childline - for children and young people under 19, free number, the number won’t show up on your phone bill: 0800 1111
  • Papyrus - for people under 35, free number, Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm / Weekends 2pm to 10pm: 0800 068 41 41 / 07786 209697
  • Leeds Involving People - have set up a new hotline for anyone unable to leave their home because of coronavirus and are worried because they don’t have family or friends who can help, they can call 0113 378 1877.
  • Forward Leeds - drug and alchohol service for Leeds, supporting anyone who needs help, their helpline number is 0113 887 2477

Useful resources

What to do if you’re feeling anxious 

  • Young Minds  - packed with ways to help you cope with your feelings, special section on coronavirus.
  • Every Mind Matters - feeling stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep? Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice and practical tips
  • Mind & Coronavirus -  tips to help you cope, including ways to support yourself during winter.
  • Mind & Wellbeing - advice and support for mental health
  • Headspace Meditation - meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling
  • Calm Harm - app for smartphones which helps young people manage self-harm

During Term Time

The College's Safeguarding Officers are trained to talk to you about issues concerning self harm, suicide ideation, neglect, violence, sexual exploitation or abuse, maltreatment, mental ill health and forced marriages.

If you require further information please contact a member of the Safeguarding Team:

Jubar Miah

  • Office number: 0113 222 6000 ex 6107 
  • Mobile number: 07508 208529
  • Email: jmiah@lcb.ac.uk

Charlotte Duffy