London Nightline exists thanks to the universities, student unions and accommodation providers across the capital who contribute, granting their students access to Nightline as an additional mental health service. Affiliates pay 43p per student each year, which supports the running costs of the charity.
"Nightline has been very helpful to me during my periods of depression, and on one occasion has saved my life by successfully discouraging me from suicide. Thank you Nightline."
- Anonymous student
Students don’t have to tell us who they are or which university they are from. This is a reassurance for those who want help but are fearful of what they say getting back to their tutors or impacting their place at university.
Everyone who answers the Nightline is also a student gaining experience in supporting others. Affiliating with Nightline offers your students an excellent volunteering programme with full training, support and opportunities for progression within the organisation.
There are no waiting lists or AI responses – each call and instant message is answered by “Hello, Nightline?” They can be as long or as short as the caller would like. Students do not need to register or be referred by anyone.
Affiliating with London Nightline grants an institution’s students full access to London Nightline – allowing them to call, instant message or email between 6pm and 8am every night of term. They can talk through their thoughts and fears with their peers, fellow students who can often relate to how they are feeling. We offer a non-directive and non-judgemental service, which allows callers to lead the conversation and reach their own conclusions in an accepting and empathetic environment.
Being open at night allows us to compliment other university welfare services, which are generally only available during the day, and support students during the night-time hours when difficulties can feel more challenging. Nightline can also be a valuable source of support to students who spend time carrying out course placements or other activities away from university and those studying from their home with a distance-learning institution, and who therefore have limited access to institution-based welfare services.
There are over 50 colleges, universities and student unions that are currently affiliated to London Nightline. We cover a wide variety of institutions, from very large universities offering many different courses of study, to smaller and more specialist colleges, to individuals based at home. Our ultimate aim is for every student to have access to a Nightline listening service, and we are always eager to generate new affiliations, whether they are based in London or don’t have access to a more local Nightline.
If your institution is interested in becoming an affiliate of London Nightline, for more information, or to set up a meeting please contact our Coordinator at london@nightline.org.uk
London Nightline has been offering a listening ear to students for over 50 years. Our high quality training is now available as a tailored session for university or SU staff, so that every member of the team is fully prepared to support students’ wellbeing with whatever they are going through.
● Using empathy and active listening so you always know what to say.
● Being calm and present when a student is in crisis or discussing suicidal thoughts.
● Managing your own wellbeing when supporting others
