Your PhD is a marathon, not a sprint; over the time it takes you to complete your studies, you might find yourself in need of more specialised assistance in managing your mental health. If at any time during your studies you find yourself struggling more than usual, experience a significant trauma, or if you are coming to Cambridge with a pre-existing mental health condition that may impact upon your studies, the University provides a range of services dedicated to helping you manage your mental wellbeing during your studies.

In addition to the services and organisations listed here, the Student Wellbeing website's "Where to go..." guide is an excellent source of information of organisations, charities and helplines in operation within Cambridge and across the UK.

College Nurses

Almost all colleges employ a College Nurse who can assist you with a range of health and welfare needs, and direct you to other health services both within the university and within Cambridge more broadly.

University Counselling Service 

The University Counselling Service is staffed by trained and accredited counsellors and therapists who can provide counselling and assist with evaluation and referrals. In addition to providing one-on-one counselling, the University Counselling Service also runs workshops and group counselling sessions over the course of each term. The Counselling Service works on a self-referral system; BME students may elect to see a BME counsellor on their pre-counselling form, and there is also a dedicated Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor on staff.

Disability Resource Centre

The Disability Resource Centre provides dedicated support to students with. Students who suffer from a diagnosed mental health condition that has the potential to disrupt their studies can register with the Disability Resource Centre. 

The Crane's Charity Medical Support Fund

The Crane's Charity provides financial assistance to any student of the University of Cambridge who needs treatment for physical or mental illness and can demonstrate financial need. Applications are normally made for an amount up to and including £1800 and are made on behalf of the student by their college tutor.

You also have access to a range of services outside of the University that you can draw upon when you need to.

Your GP 

Your General Practitioner can refer you to hospitals and other necessary health services and provide medical documentation should you ever need to apply for an extension, medical-based intermission or any other instance where you find yourself required to provide medical evidence. Be aware that letters of support can take several days to arrange and that, while GP appointments are covered by the NHS and therefore free, medical letters are not, and will therefore incur a charge that is at the discretion of the GP.

NHS 111

NHS 111 is the non-emergency number for the NHS. Pressing option 2 at the start of the call will provides access to the NHS's mental health helpline. Calls are free and are in operation 24 hours a day.