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Health and Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Help and advice are always available. Every student needs to talk about something, sometime. Because you might not always be able to share personal problems with friends or relatives, we provide practical support and guidance, on a strictly confidential basis, through our College Counselling Service.

The counselling service offers a student an opportunity to talk in confidence with someone who is impartial and separate from College, social and family life. The counsellor is not able to offer a magic solution, but will listen carefully and help the student to arrive at a better understanding of the situation. The process of exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviour will often bring some relief and may enable the student to make changes for themselves.

Confidentiality is a means of providing you with safety and privacy. All counselling provided is confidential and your Counsellor works within the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of Ethics and practise which include confidentiality.

Your Counsellor receives supervision of Counselling, in accordance with BACP guidelines.

There are many reasons why a student should use the counselling service. These may be directly linked to College life - such as difficulties with settling in or anxieties about the course of study. Issues such as depression, anxiety, decision making, self-esteem, relationships, eating disorders, bereavement and sexuality are also dealt with. The Counsellor can also advise on welfare issues, and refer to other agencies.

Appointments are made through the Student Services Unit by calling in or by telephoning 0121 604 1000 ext 269. When making an appointment the student does not have to give their real name. Sessions normally last up to 50 minutes. Sessions are available from:

  • Monday to Thursday - 10am to 5pm
  • Friday - 10am to 4pm

Appointments can be made out of these hours if needed.

Health

An experienced nurse is available for advice on all health matters. If you have a medical condition or complaint, the nurse will be able to help by either treating the condition or referring you to the NHS .

The College Nurse can also provide advice and treatment on a wide range of health issues, including immunisation, smoking, diet and contraception.

The service, like all the others provided by the Student Services Unit, is both free and confidential. The service operates on a drop-in basis and is situated in the Student Information Suite, Room 730 (Summer Row). The Nurse can also be contacted by telephone by calling 0121 604 1000 ext 269. This service is available from:

  • Monday to Friday - 8am to 4pm

The Counsellor and Nurse at UCB work closely together providing help and information for the students, to promote good health and well-being.

Past campaigns include healthy eating, no smoking, depression, sexual health, alcohol and drug awareness, National Aids Day and sun safety to name a few.

Keeping Fit

The Spa at Richmond House includes a fully equipped gym, dance studio, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, spa pool and solarium. A full range of classes are available to students; including aerobics, circuit training, step classes and self defence.

The Sports hall, situated at The Maltings, is available for students to book free of charge. The Sports hall is suitable for a wide range of activities including table tennis, badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball, 5-a-side football and indoor cricket. Equipment for all these activities can be provided.

The fitness room, within the sports hall, provides a training facility for those wanting to train for general health, fitness and sports performance. In addition, a programme of fitness classes adds to the wide variety of leisure activities on offer at the sports hall.