Support for students over the winter break

From Student Advice and Wellbeing (SAW) opening hours, to support services and resources in Liverpool, here’s everything you need to know about:

Support over the winter break

The university and most student services will close at 5pm on Friday 23 December 2022 and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.   

The Student Life Building will remain open 24/7 over the winter break and security will be based at reception. 

Student Advice and Wellbeing (SAW) support

Although SAW services are suspended for the winter break, the Student Life Building will be open throughout the period, and staff from SAW will be available on certain days should you have an issue with which you need assistance.  

On Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December, SAW staff will be available to offer a point of contact, general support for any queries that you might have and will be able to book appointments for when services re-open on 3 January. 

Cost of living and financial support 

This year, LJMU is committing an additional £600,000 to help students during the cost of living crisis. 

Over the Christmas period, there will be free emergency food boxes containing three days' worth of food. Just ask security at the Student Life Building reception for a box.  

If you’d like to apply for financial assistance to help with food, bills and rent in the new year, you can find out how to do so and all the support available from LJMU on the cost of living hub.

Support services across Liverpool and resources  

Sexual Health 

• Liverpool Sexual Health offer services including contraception, LGBT+ wellbeing support, STI screening, pregnancy testing, abortion referrals and more. 

• Axess Sexual Health offers STI testing and treatment, contraception, pregnancy testing, PEP and specialist young people's services.  

Mental health 

• SilverCloud provide online support with anxiety, depression, stress or other issues 

• Student Minds help people deal with the mental health and wellbeing impact COVID-19 is having on their university life 

• Student Space is here to make it easier for you to find the support that you need during the coronavirus pandemic. However, you’re feeling, help and guidance is available. Explore a range of trusted information, services and tools to help you with the challenges of student life 

• Every Mind Matters The NHS app for tips and advice to look after your mental health 

• Hub of Hope If you need mental health support wherever you are in the UK, visit Hub of Hope or download the app 

• The Mental Health Foundation have a range or resources and tips which are constantly being updated 

• CALM offers free, anonymous and confidential webchat and helpline services open from 5pm to midnight for anyone who needs to talk 

• Talk Liverpool is a free NHS service offering psychological therapies to adults in Liverpool who are feeling depressed or anxious 

• Mind provides practical guides to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing 

• Rethink Mental Illness has a range of resources available to enable you to manage your mental health 

• The Mix has a bank of support guides available designed for people under 25 covering issues from money, tenancy rights through to advice on supporting others coping with Corona-anxiety 

• Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 116123 or you can email jo@samaritans.org and you will get a response within 24 hours 

• Papyrus can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 every day 9.00am to 12 midnight 

• Text SHOUT on 85258 who offer 24/7 text mental health support and are open 24/7 

Living alone or not visiting friends/family during the festive season? 

JMSU President, Marie, will be hosting five winter social events over the winter break, between 20 –29 December. The events are open to all students, from bowling trips to group study sessions in the Student Life Building. Find out more about the JMSU Christmas socials.

Exams and what to do if you need a coursework extension or have extenuating circumstances

Our Academic Registry team has lots of guidance on exam procedures, what to expect and what to do if you need to submit an extenuating circumstances form for an exam or assignment. Find out more on the Academic Registry webpages.

Don’t forget our Academic Achievement team has lots of useful self-study resources to help you with assignments and exams.