Embedded Files
On this page, we cover some of the factors that can affect your mental, physical and sexual health. Including domestic violence, eating disorders, and alcohol and drug related issues. For general UK healthcare information, such as where to find a pharmacy or register with a doctor. Please see our Healthcare in the UK page.
Sexual Health
YorSexual Health run a free and confidential sexual health service on campus on Wednesdays during term time between 12.30pm and 3.00pm at the Centre of Immunology and Infection on Campus West. For more information and directions, see the YorSexual Health website. This is an appointment-only service. Phone 01904 721111 to make an appointment.
You do not need to be registered with a doctor in York to access YorSexual Health services.
Services include:
Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
Contraception
HIV testing, treatment and support
Sexual health counselling
‘PEPSE’ (post-exposure prophylaxis sexual exposure HIV treatment)
Information and support
Care and management following sexual assault
Free condoms
Free and confidential postal tests for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.
Use the online Test & Go Service for patients with no symptoms to order a routine sexual health screen for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV online and for the test to be posted to your home address.
YorSexual Health are unable to supply repeat contraception for patients aged 20 years and over. If you require repeat contraception, access these from your GP.
Your doctor can provide contraception as well as confidential contraceptive advice.
YUSU Condom Corners - You can find free condoms, lubricants, dental dams, chlamydia tests, pregnancy tests and YorSexual Health information at the following points on campus:
YUSU Helpdesk, The Student Centre, James College, Goodricke Wellbeing Hub, Goodricke College, Heslington East Campus.
Other supports
Other supports
Yorkshire MESMAC/LGBTQ Services - providing sexual health services to LGBTQ and others adversely affected by HIV. They have an office in York, however, a lot of their services are based in Leeds and Hull. Services include:
HIV and STI testing
1-2-1 support
Trans & non-binary sexual health sessions
Free condoms and lubricants
HIV Support Service - The service offers free, confidential, specialist advice and support to all students at the University of York who may be living with HIV, or are affected by HIV. You do not need to be accessing the clinic for treatment in order to access support. Email socialsupport@york.nhs.uk for more information and to arrange an appointment with a specialist support worker.
BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) - If you have unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, they can provide the following:
Unplanned pregnancy counselling
Pregnancy options
Abortion treatment options
Post abortion counselling
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, age, or background. It can be emotional, physical, financial, or sexual, It can involve being controlled, threatened, isolated, and criticised, as well as physical violence such as hitting, slapping, beating and sexual violence. It can include honour-based violence and forced marriage, and occur in all sorts of relationships, between couples, in marriages, and between different members of a family.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may feel scared, trapped, and alone. Please know that there is support available and that you are not on your own. If you seek specialist support, your decisions will be respected, and what happens next is up to you.
Emergency
On Campus - You can call security in an emergency on 01904 32 3333 or use the SafeZone App.
Off Campus - you can call the police or call an ambulance in an emergency on 999
Reporting an incident of domestic abuse:
Reporting to the police - if you are not in danger, you can call 101, go to your local police station or use their website.
Reporting to the university - If the incident involves another student at the University of York, then you have the option of formally reporting the incident via the online student misconduct reporting process.
Independent specialist support:
Independent Domestic Abuse Service (North Yorkshire) - emotional support, as well as information on housing and legal matters.
Phone: 03000 110 110 (North Yorkshire)
24 hour National Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Eating Disorders
What's an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is you thinking of and being obsessed with food, eating, body image and appearance all the time.
It is more than simply being aware of the importance of a healthy diet. If your thoughts on these factors affects your life, causing you to change your habits and behaviour, this is commonly known as an eating disorder.
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are far more complex than simply a desire to be thin. Different eating disorders will affect people in different ways and people with eating issues can become used to hiding their problems.
Symptoms of eating disorders can vary, you may present with some and not others. If you’re concerned that you may have an eating disorder, Northumberland NHS has provided an excellent self-help guide on Eating Disorders, which includes a questionnaire you can take as a rough guide to your eating difficulties.
Seeking professional help and support:
The first point of contact is usually your GP.
The idea of seeking help may seem particularly daunting but please remember that your GP is there to help you and can refer you for specialist support.
If you want to speak to someone further or need further information, please see below:
BEAT - The UK’s Eating Disorder charity. A great source of information and support:
Helplines. 0808 801 0811 (between 1pm – 9pm Monday-Friday, and 5pm – 9pm on weekends and bank holidays.) free of charge and do not appear on itemised bills.
Online support groups where people affected by eating disorders can come together and discuss any issues they face in a non-judgmental environment.
If you want to speak to someone further or needs further information, please see below:
ABC - Anorexia & Bulimia Care Online support via phone and Zoom, information resources.
Open Door Team: You can also speak to a practitioner from the University’s Open Door Team. The Open Door Team is made up of a range of professional practitioners. They support students who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties.
Alcohol
Excessive drinking carries risk. It can affect your personal safety, health and work performance and it can also impact on others.
The current UK low risk drinking guidelines recommend that adults should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week
What is a unit of alcohol?
1 unit is 10ml of pure alcohol. Alcohol content depends on the size and strength of the drink and can vary greatly.
find more on Drinkaware: What is an alcohol unit? - knowing this will help you regulate how much you drink.
Staying safe while drinking - find some tips on how to stay safe and know your limit
Alcohol has a love and hate relationship with students' lives: please read Freshers' week survival guide. It provides the calculator to work out your alcohol consumption
Drugs
There are many different reasons for why someone might decide to use drugs. Whilst we don’t condone drug use, we are aware that some students may use them or may be thinking of trying them. For anyone in this situation, it is important to ensure that you are fully informed of the potential risks and effects associated with the drug so that you are able you to make an informed decision.
Misusing prescription drugs, taking psychoactive substances or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can result in:
reduced inhibitions and impulsive behaviour
fits, agitation, hallucinations or paranoia
unconsciousness and amnesia
altered heart rate or abnormal breathing
depression or mood swings
addiction and, in some cases,
death.
Helpful resources:
Drugwise - comprehensive, evidence-based information on the effects of drugs, their risks, and the legal implications associated with their use.
Talk To Frank - learn more about drugs and how they can affect you.
University regulations and drug use - The University considers the possession, storage, sale, use or misuse of controlled drugs to be a disciplinary offence and will initiate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Regulation 7; Student Discipline where necessary.
If you choose to use drugs then it is important that you try to minimise some of the risks associated with their use.
There is no safe way to take drugs and no amount of harm reduction strategies will make the drug use risk-free, but the below strategies may help to make things “safer”:
Avoid mixing drugs and don’t use with other substances such as alcohol and prescription medications.
Avoid drinking alcohol while on cocaine, mixing these two substances produces a highly toxic substance in your liver called cocaethylene.
If you are dancing, take regular breaks to cool down and drink sips of water regularly– but don’t drink more than a 500mls per hour. Excessive water intake can be fatal.
Never drive or operate machinery after taking substances.
Always seek help if you are worried about yourself or a friend. Ensure that you give medical professionals as much information as possible about the drug or drugs that were taken.
If you use drugs, take them in a safe environment with other people, don’t use them alone. Make sure you tell them what you have taken.
If you do choose to take drugs start with a small amount e.g. a quarter of a pill and wait a couple of hours before taking any more.
If you snort substances, always use your own straw and do not share snorting equipment with other people as blood borne viruses like hepatitis are easily spread.
Page updated
Report abuse