If you're experiencing issues in your personal life, contact us at SUBUAdvice@bournemouth.ac.uk or 01202 965779, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.
Alcohol and Drugs
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 excessive alcohol and drug use is impacting you, 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 and Cyber-bullying
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.
If you are being bullied because of your disability, gender-identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual
orientation, this is considered to be a hate crime. 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
Crime
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 every Thursday from 10am-4pm.
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.
Consent
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 is comfortable.
Consent is retractable.
Consent is active.
Consent should always be clear.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual misconduct, you can find out about the resources available to
you here.
Specialist Sources of Support
The STARS service run a drop-in at the Student
Centre office every Thursday between 10am - 4pm. 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 violence
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.
Eating Disorders
If you, or people around you, are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating
disorder.
Support services
Gambling
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
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.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
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?
The Retreat 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 Retreat, 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?
- 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
They have drop-in sessions from Monday-Friday 1pm-2pm.
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.
Concerned about a friend?
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.
Safety and Personal Protection
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 a licensed taxi number or uber
if needed. 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.