Student support and welfare

Training to be a teacher can be an extremely rewarding experience, but we acknowledge that challenges can arise, and we are here to support you. If you encounter difficulties with your studies, you have health concerns or financial worries, the National Institute has a number of services which provide individualised support. This includes a range of internal services as well as several specialised external agencies to which we can refer you for tailored support.

Trainees can contact our Student Support for help, support and advice on a range of trainee life concerns, including:

• Disability support and reasonable adjustments.
• Mental health and wellbeing.
• Physical health concerns.
• Financial hardship.
• Support with appeals, complaints and Fitness to Practise.
• Navigating our policies and procedures.
• Harassment and sexual misconduct.

The Student Support team aims to respond within two to three working days.

Crisis support

If you feel you cannot keep yourself safe from harm, then it is time to get immediate help. Do not hesitate to contact emergency services on 999 or attend A&E if you feel like you are at immediate risk.

You can access crisis support and urgent advice in a range of different ways, including:

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

You can find your nearest hospital here. A&E are available for all health crises, including those related to mental health. A&E departments across the UK have dedicated mental health crisis teams. It can feel daunting going to A&E, but the mental health staff there will give you time to talk through your difficulties and will arrange support.

Support lines 

Numerous helplines staffed by trained professionals are available for immediate support. These services provide a non-judgmental environment and can help you feel less alone with your experiences. Many listening services are happy to listen for as long as you need.

• Papyrus HopeLine: If you're under 35 and experiencing suicidal thoughts you can call on 0800 068 4141 (24/7), email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
• Shout: If you would prefer not to talk on the phone but want some mental health support, text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 587 0800 (6:00pm to midnight every day).
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): You can call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5:00pm–midnight every day) if you're affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.

Employee assistance programme

We collaborate with Bupa to provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme for all students: Your EAP information | Bupa UK.

Through Bupa Employee Assistance Programme NIoT trainees can access:

• The Health E-hub app and online portal: a comprehensive library of resources for wellbeing and health.
• 24-hour helpline: opportunity to speak to someone and receive actionable advice.
• Telephone counselling: work with a therapist accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
• Face-to-face counselling sessions: speak with a qualified professional in a private and confidential setting.

The telephone number for Bupa is:

• 0800 269 616 (UK)
• 1800 650 138 (Republic of Ireland)
• +44 131 588 0321 (International)

Harassment and sexual misconduct support

We are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive and diverse community that nurtures a healthy environment and culture of mutual respect and consideration. You can report any incidences of harmful behaviours, such as sexual violence, harassment, bullying, stalking or other inappropriate behaviours.

Regardless of whether you choose to report your experience, registered trainees can access confidential advice and support and will be listened to with respect and understanding.

Place2BE

Our trainees can access the Place2Be Mental Health Champions Foundation programme. Through completing this programme, trainees have access to the Place2Be staffroom and can also request support via Place2Think.

Disabled Student Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) scheme aims to ensure everyone with a disability, long-term health condition, diagnosed mental health condition, or specific language disorder has the support they need to succeed during their studies.

The DSA funds a diverse range of support, including specialist equipment, assistive technology training, mentoring and academic skills tutoring.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the DSA website. See our useful DSA guide, or reach out to our Student Support team for application support.

Student Support Fund

Our support fund is intended to assist trainees who are experiencing difficulties accessing their learning due to significant financial pressures or support needs. Students can be awarded up to £2000. There is an application process, and students must meet eligibility criteria, including providing evidence. If you feel you are eligible, the Student Support Team can help you check eligibility and signpost you to the application.

External support services

• NHS: offer free at the point of access services for your health and wellbeing, such as mental health support. You can find out more online about accessing support. Please ensure that you are registered with a local GP in your area. You can register with a GP by searching for a local surgery: Find a GP - NHS.
• Education Support: offer support and help to staff working within the Education Sector, including trainees at the National Institute. They also offer a free phone line 08000 562 561.
• Papyrus: Papyrus run HopeLine 24/7, their free and confidential helpline offers practical, compassionate support around the clock for those in mental health crisis.
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) confidential phone line that is free to use.
• SHOUT: free confidential text service. Text SHOUT to 85258.
• MIND: mental health charity with a range of resources. Including this crisis self-help tool: Need urgent help | Mind - Mind.
• The Survivor’s Trust: is the largest umbrella agency for the specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.
• Victim Support: is an independent charity that helps people affected by crime and traumatic events. They are not part of the police or any other criminal justice agency. You can contact them on 0808 168 9111.
• National Women’s Aid: (domestic abuse) provide information, support and refuge support for people fleeing domestic abuse. The national sexual health helpline number is 0800 567 123 and it is free to call. For more information, please visit the NHS's 'Where can I get sexual health advice, now?' webpage.
• GALOP: supports all LGBT+ people who’ve experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
• SurvivorsUK: offer a range of support services, including counselling, therapy appointments and online chat. The organisation was established as a service for male survivors and is inclusive of those who identify as male, non-binary or previously identified as male.