We understand that for some, self-isolation at home may be an extremely difficult and challenging time. Please know that help is available and SAMS is here to support our staff in every way possible.
If you would like to talk to someone, please get in touch with our SAMS Welfare Officers
All of our students and staff have access to Togetherall (formally Big White Wall) which is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly.
Professionally trained Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to the online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.
For information on how to register, head to bit.ly/2K0N22j
The UHI support helplines webpage has an extensive list of organisations offering help and support for victims of abuse and sufferers of mental health issues.
Useful websites for stress and mental health:
Breathing Space 0800 838587 A free, confidential phone-line to call when feeling down or stressed. breathingspace.scot
Samaritans 116 123 – free from mobiles
Mind Side By Side - Mind Side By Side is a supportive online community and a safe place to share your experiences and listen to others.
NHS Inform self help guide for depression
NHS Inform self help guide for anxiety
Headspace (meditation)
SAM-app A free app to manage anxiety as it is happening.
STOPP “If you want to start to stop, use STOPP”. An app to help to “start to stop your stress, anxiety, depression, negative thinking, over or under-eating, drinking, smoking, drugs, gambling, aggression, self-harm or other unhelpful habits”.
NHS Living Life: A free confidential telephone service based on a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach for people suffering from low mood, mild to moderate depression and/ or anxiety. The service is available from 1pm – 9 pm Monday to Friday. Individuals can either call the service directly to make an appointment or can be referred by their GP. Living Life is open from Monday to Friday 1pm - 9pm. For access to the service or for further information on Living Life please call 0800 328 9655.
Moodscope: A daily e-mail which comes with a short story of someone’s lived experiences. Includes a link to a “card test” where you score yourself between 1 and 4 for several feelings, such as anxious, confident etc. Your score is automatically calculated, and you can annotate it with comments reflecting why you scored as you did that day e.g. dark and wet, anxious about a project etc. You can choose some moodscope buddies who automatically see your score, and so can pick up on any dips, and offer support.
Moodcafe is an NHS (Fife) website promoting mental health and includes self-help materials.
NHS Inform self help guide for depression
NHS Inform self help guide for anxiety
Information about sleeping better to reduce stress
Watch Babylon Health’s video on how to deal with anxiety and mental health during a pandemic