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Although life in Oxford is a lot of fun, sometimes it is necessary to get support when life gets tough. The MCR, College, and University have a number of avenues for support that are always available if you need help. Confidentiality is always assured.
In an emergency, you can call the police or an ambulance by dialing 999 free of charge from any phone.
The University Security Services have a 24-hour emergency number 01865 289 999.
Magdalen College Porters 01865 270 000.
For non-emergencies, you can contact the Oxford police on 08458 505 505.
The job of the College Deans is to look after members of College, and are available to talk to at Deans’ hours, which are held 3-4pm on Mondays and Thursdays during term time. Urgent meetings can be arranged through the Student Support Administrator, Amelia Woodhouse (maternity cover). You can find out about the Decanal Support team on the College website. The Dean of Divinity, Revd Dr Andrew Bowyer, is available to all students, regardless of faith, about any welfare issue.
LGBTSoc is the University-wide society for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. The society has regular social events throughout the year, including some targeted at graduate students, and provides welfare, sexual health resources and support for all its members.
There is a nurse based in College, who during term time runs a drop in clinic everyday from 9-11am. The College is also affiliated with a doctors clinic at 27 Beaumont Street (01865 311500), and you will be registered with this clinic shortly after you arrive in College.
The NHS has a 24-hour telephone line, NHS 111, which allows you to get in touch with a nurse. The phone number for this service is 111. There is also a comprehensive NHS website which includes a health encyclopædia, best treatments guide, a self help guide, and local information database.
Mental
The College has a counsellor so that you can have easy access to a trained professional. You can get in touch with the counsellor either through the Deans or through the Welfare Officers.
The University has a counselling service that you are encouraged to use. They offer a free and confidential service, with many options including individual and groups sessions, workshops and self-help guides. They will not divulge information to parents or the College without your permission, and they can also refer you to other therapeutic treatments. Their phone number is 01865 270300, and you can find more information here.
Nightline is a completely independent, student-run, listening, support, and information service. It aims to provide every student in Oxford with the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence. No contact is made with any outside agency, academic department or anyone else; you don’t even have to give your name. You can phone Nightline on (2)70270 any time from 8pm to 8am. They are open from the beginning of 0th week until the end of 9th week If you’re ringing from an Oxford (01865) number or a mobile, then they can phone you back if you want. Alternatively you can come down to the office at 16 Wellington Square to talk over coffee and biscuits for as long as you like.
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You don’t have to be suicidal to call them. They are here for you if you’re worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone.
Telephone: 08457 909 090
60 Magdalen Road
Oxford
OX4 1RB
Usual opening hours: 8am – 10pm
Sexual
The Alec Turnbull Clinic provides contraception, emergency contraception and on-the-spot pregnancy testing. The clinic can also provide advice on pregnancy and abortion and pre-abortion counselling, as well as refer women directly to the John Radcliffe Hospital for a termination.
Family Planning Clinic
-1st Floor
Raglan House
Between Towns Road
Cowley
Oxford OX4 3JH
Tel: 01865 456666.
The Oxford clinic is situated in the Churchill Hospital in Headington and can be found here. The clinic offers information, counselling and testing for HIV & AIDS and all other sexually transmitted infections. There is a useful web page from Brookes university, which provides useful information about making a visit to this department.
Telephone: 01865 726295. Phone cover and answer machine. More information on their site.
Free, impartial and confidential advice and free pregnancy testing. Pregnancy and abortion advice: 07767 213 762.