Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub by Lauren Franklin

Disability and Mental Health Support

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:04:22 UTC

Our Disability Support Team can help arrange academic accommodations if you're experiencing mental health challenges. We can discuss options like extension policies, exam arrangements, and creating a personal support plan. Early intervention makes a big difference! 📋

Mindfulness for Students

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:04:25 UTC

Mindfulness can help manage stress and anxiety. Try this simple 5-minute breathing exercise: Find a quiet space, focus on your breath, and when your mind wanders, gently bring it back. Practice daily for best results.

Sleep Hygiene Tips

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:04:25 UTC

Good sleep is essential for mental health! Create a bedtime routine: Avoid screens 1 hour before bed, keep a consistent sleep schedule, make your room dark and cool.

Here are some links to explore with more tips:

Emergency Contacts

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:04:27 UTC

If you're in immediate crisis contact Emergency Services: 999

Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)

Don't hesitate to reach out - you are not alone 🚨

Supporting a Friend in Crisis

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:04:27 UTC

Supporting someone who's struggling can be tough, but your care and presence can make a big difference.

Here’s some advice that might help:

1. Be There and Listen

Let your friend know you're there for them. You don’t have to fix everything — just listening without judgment is incredibly powerful. You could say:

“I’m here for you.”
“That sounds really hard. Do you want to talk about it?”

2. Encourage Them to Seek Help

If your friend seems to be really struggling — especially with things like low mood, anxiety, or self-harm — gently encourage them to talk to a trusted teacher or other safe adult. You might say:

“You don’t have to go through this alone. There are people who can help.”

3. Know Your Limits

You're a great friend, but you're not a therapist — and that's okay. Make sure you're looking after yourself too. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to speak to a teacher, parent, or another adult you trust.

4. Stay Connected

People who are struggling often isolate themselves. Keep checking in. Invite them to hang out, even if they say no. Just knowing someone cares can really help.

Kooth.com

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:30:33 UTC

Free, safe, anonymous support. Online. Ages 10-25.

Here4you Lincolnshire

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:39:01 UTC

If you are struggling with your emotional or mental health, you can self-refer directly to NHS services, without going to your GP.

Childline

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-13 14:43:08 UTC

Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call them on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

Lincolnshire Talking Therapies

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-23 11:33:15 UTC

Lincolnshire Talking Therapies provide talking therapies for people aged 16 years and older. The service helps people who are experiencing common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and stress. The service also offers support with issues such as bereavement or the impact of a traumatic event.

If you would like to access talking therapies, you don't need to make an appointment with your GP or healthcare professional, you can refer yourself directly.

Lincolnshire Recovery College

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-05-23 11:36:59 UTC

Are you finding life challenging or supporting someone who is? Do you want to learn from people with real life experience, alongside education and health professionals? If so, the Lincolnshire Recovery College could be for you.

They offer free educational courses about mental health, recovery and wellbeing. Courses are open to anyone aged 16+ who lives, works, or studies in Lincolnshire. There is no referral needed -- you can choose the sessions that you would like to come to and register using the online form.

Breathing Techniques

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:06:46 UTC

Controlled breathing can significantly reduce anxiety and stress. Try these techniques to find calm:Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, then hold for 4 seconds.7/11 Breathing: Inhale deeply for 7 counts and exhale slowly for 11 counts.

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:06:47 UTC

This grounding technique uses the five senses to focus on the present moment. It can help manage feelings of anxiety.5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you.4: Identify FOUR things you can touch.3: Notice THREE things you hear.2: Recognize TWO things you can smell.1: Become aware of ONE thing you can taste.

Gratitude Journal

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:06:48 UTC

Maintaining a gratitude journal can enhance mental well-being by increasing positive emotions. Write down three things you're grateful for each day to cultivate a grateful mindset.

Challenging Negative Thinking

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:08:44 UTC

Negative thoughts can perpetuate anxiety and low mood. Challenge these thoughts by replacing them with more balanced and constructive ones.Identify Negative Thoughts: Keep a thought journal and note down any negative beliefs.Evaluate Their Accuracy: Look for evidence that supports or contradicts these thoughts.Formulate Positive Alternatives: Replace negative thoughts with more realistic, positive ones.

Using Positive Affirmations

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:08:46 UTC

Positive affirmations can reinforce self-belief and lower stress. Try the following:"I am capable and strong.""I believe in myself and my abilities.""I face challenges with courage and positivity."Write these affirmations down or say them out loud daily for lasting impact.

Luminova Mental Health Support

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:11:20 UTC

Lumi Nova is a therapeutic game that helps children aged 7-12 years self manage worries and build resilience.

Get Access — Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage

Give Us A Shout

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:16:31 UTC

"Shout" is a free, confidential 24/7 text service for anyone struggling to cope. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 for immediate support from trained volunteers. Visit giveusashout.org

Papyrus HOPELINE

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:16:33 UTC

Papyrus offers suicide prevention advice and support through their HOPELINEUK. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07786 209697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org for confidential support. Visit HOPELINEUK

Lincolnshire Here4You Advice Line

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:16:33 UTC

The Here4You Advice Line in Lincolnshire is available for young people, parents, and carers seeking advice on emotional and mental health issues. Call 0800 234 6342 for assistance.Visit Here4You

Young Minds

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:20:43 UTC

The Young Minds website offers a wealth of resources for young people on mental health and well-being, including articles and information from those with lived experiences. Access tools and stories that inspire and support your journey. Explore Young Minds youngminds.org.uk

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:24:04 UTC

The CEOP website provides resources and support for young people to stay safe online and protect themselves from exploitation. For help or advice, visit their site and explore guides on internet safety and reporting mechanisms.Visit CEOP - CEOP Safety Centre

BEAT Eating Disorders

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:29:45 UTC

BEAT is the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders. They offer resources, support networks, and helplines for individuals and families. Their website includes guides for understanding different eating disorders and tips on finding help. Visit BEAT Eating Disorders - The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat

SelfHarm UK

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:34:29 UTC

SelfHarm UK offers free online support and resources for young people aged 10-17 who are affected by self-harm. Their website provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings, access advice, and connect with others.Visit Alumina | Selfharm

Don't Lose Hope - Bourne

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:37:04 UTC

Don't Lose Hope offers counselling and mental health support to individuals of all ages in Bourne and the surrounding areas. Their services include one-to-one counselling, group workshops, and community events focused on well-being.Visit dontlosehope.co.uk

Counselling Directory

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:39:21 UTC

The Counselling Directory provides a comprehensive list of professional counsellors and therapists across the UK. You can search for therapists based on location, specialisation, and the issues you want help with. It's a valuable resource for finding qualified support near you.Visit Counselling Directory

Winston's Wish

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:39:47 UTC

Winston’s Wish provides emotional and practical bereavement support to children, young people, and their families. Offering a range of grief support services, resources, and guidance, the charity helps those dealing with the death of a parent or sibling.Visit Winston's Wish - Bereavement Support for Children

Grief Encounter

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:40:27 UTC

Grief Encounter provides bereavement support to children, young people, and their families after the death of a loved one. They offer counselling, therapeutic services, and events designed to help cope with loss. Visit Home SUPPORTING BEREAVED CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE - Grief Encounter

Lincs Centre for Grief & Loss (LCGL)

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:40:28 UTC

The Lincs Centre for Grief & Loss offers counselling and support to individuals dealing with bereavement and loss in Lincolnshire. Their services include one-to-one sessions, group support, and resources for coping with grief. Visit Home

CASY Counselling

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:45:36 UTC

CASY provides counselling services for young people aged 6-25 in the East Midlands. They offer confidential sessions to help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and family troubles.Visit Home - CASY

NWCH - Counselling

laurenfranklin3 — 2025-09-05 08:45:37 UTC

NWCH offers a range of counselling services for individuals of all ages. Their team provides support for mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions, with a focus on compassionate care.Visit Counselling support in Lincoln | NW Counselling Hub

To Anyone Who Is Struggling

laurenfranklin3 — 2026-03-17 14:53:18 UTC

Things may be tough but just know it does get better. It may not feel like it but things will improve and just remember you are beautiful in your own way. It doesn't matter what other people think. It's your body, your mind, you can do what you want. Just know that someone will always listen to you. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Be you, be brave

laurenfranklin3 — 2026-03-17 14:56:07 UTC

Be you, be brave, be who you want to be.

Don't give up, no matter what, even when life gets tough, just keep going. You will regret it if you give up.

Live your life to the full and don't let anyone bring you down. Look after yourself before anyone else, you are your number one - don't forget that!!

You are beautiful, don't let anyone tell you different. You are unique - STAY AWESOME!