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Are you in crisis now?

If you have been a victim of a crime, are in immediate danger, or need immediate assistance of any kind, call 999 immediately.

Here at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, we are passionate about supporting our students. We offer a range of Welfare Services, which are available for you to access when the university is open. These services are appointment-based; you can log into to book a session.

However, we understand that sometimes you may need urgent support for reasons like housing concerns or mental health difficulties. If you require immediate help right now, please use the specialist crisis organisations listed below.

  1. Mental health support

    NHS GP

    If it is within their opening hours, please call your GP surgery right away to request an available appointment.

    The NHS provides free, 24/7 urgent mental health support for anyone who needs it across the UK. To reach your local support team:

    1. Call 111 from any phone.
    2. Select Option 2 for mental health services.

    You will be connected directly to a trained professional in your current area.

    999 Emergency Services

    If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or at risk of serious harm, please take action straight away:

    • Call 999 for an ambulance or the police.
    • Go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. ()

    If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the free or text phone services.

    Samaritans is a 24/7 support line run by the charity which offers a safe space for anyone to talk things through, without judgement.

    • Call for free: 116 123
    • Visit a branch: (please note face to face services aren't available 24/7)

    If you are struggling to cope and prefer not to speak out loud, Shout provides free, confidential mental health support via text, 24/7. It is free on all major mobile networks and will not show up on your phone bill.

    • To start a conversation: Text SHOUT to 85258

    If you are worried about your drug or alcohol use, Turning Point offers free, confidential, and specialist support to help you stay safe and manage things. You do not need a doctor's referral to use this service.

    • How to get help: You can sign up directly by filling out the .

    Run in partnership with the NHS, these cafes offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space if you are struggling with your mental health or feeling overwhelmed. They are completely free, run on a drop-in basis, and you do not need an appointment.

    On-Campus Sessions (ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø):

    • Where: The Pod, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Student Union Building
    • When: Tuesdays and Fridays, 11am - 2pm

    Living off-campus or need different times?
    There are over 20 other Neighbourhood Cafes across Leicester and Leicestershire. You can find your nearest local cafe and check its opening hours using the website.

  2. Domestic and sexual violence support

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    If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse or violence, you can access free, confidential, and specialist support at any time of day or night.

    • Call for free (24/7): 0808 2000 247 (This number is free to call and will not show up on your phone bill).
    • Chat safely online: If it is unsafe to speak out loud, you can use the 24/7 on their website.

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    If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse or violence, you can access free, confidential, and specialist support.

    • Call for free: 0808 801 0327 Open Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm (This number is free to call and will not show up on your phone bill).
    • Chat safely online: If it is unsafe to speak out loud, you can use the on their website.

    Galop provides confidential, specialist support for LGBT+ people who have experienced domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence, or conversion therapy.

    • Call the National Helpline: 0800 999 5428
    • Text / WhatsApp Support: 07476 552 299
    • Email: help@galop.org.uk

    If you are experiencing honour-based abuse, are being controlled by your family, or are facing a forced marriage, you can access free, confidential, and specialist support.

    • Call for free: 0800 5999 247 (Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. This number will not show up on your phone bill).
    • Get support via email: support@karmanirvana.org.uk

    If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please always call 999 straight away.

    If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, assault, or harassment-whether it happened recently or in the past-you can access free, confidential, and specialist support at any time. You will be listened to and believed.

    • Call for free (24/7): 0808 500 2222 (This call is completely free and will not show up on your phone bill).
    • Chat safely online (24/7): Connect with a specialist advisor via the .

    SARCs are dedicated, safe spaces that provide free, confidential medical and emotional support to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or rape. You can access their care whether you want to report the incident to the police or not.

    • What they offer: Forensic medical exams, emergency contraception, mental health support, and practical advice.
    • Find help near you: Use the Ìý NHS SARC Finder to locate your nearest centre.
  3. Housing and food support

    If you are homeless, couch-surfing, or at risk of losing your accommodation, you can get free, legal housing support. Your local council has a legal duty to assess your situation and help you find a safe place to stay.

    If you are currently in Leicester:

    • Call the Council (8:30am to 4:30pm): 0116 454 1008
    • Call Out-of-Hours (Evenings & Weekends): 0116 221 2770
    • Visit in person: Go to the Customer Service Centre at York House, Granby Street.

    If you are outside of Leicester:

    • Find your local authority: Use the to get emergency housing help in your current area.
    • Get expert advice: Visit for free housing advice, legal rights, and a webchat service.

    Food Banks

    If you are struggling to afford food, toiletries, or household essentials, support is available both on campus and across the city.

    On-Campus: The DSU Food Pantry
    Run by De Montfort Students' Union, this is a completely free service open to all ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø students to help ease cost-of-living pressures.

    • Where: Ground Floor, DSU Campus Centre Building
    • When: Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 3:30pm (Term time)
    • How it works: You can drop in and select up to 10 essential items per visit. Please bring your own reusable shopping bags.
    • Outside of term time: Please email dsuadvice@dmu.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

    Across Leicester: Community Food Banks
    There is a wide network of community food banks across the city. You can view a full directory of local options on the .

    • Important Note: Many external food banks require an official referral voucher before you can collect food.
    • How to get a voucher: You can speak directly to a local advisor by contacting (Call free on 0808 208 2138) who can assess your situation and issue a food bank voucher.