St John's offers a supportive environment to its students
Nursing Team
Welcome to the Health & Wellbeing Centre page!
The Health & Wellbeing Centre currently has two Registered Nurses who are on site Monday - Friday, in B2 North Court.
However, face to face consultations are not available during the Covid-19 pandemic but through telephone or video consultations and booked via Moodle. For the first three weeks of term, priority will be to freshers.
You can contact either nurse via: Health&WellbeingCentre@joh.cam.ac.uk
Emma Manuel, Lead Clinical Nurse and Disability Liaison Officer: E.Manuel@joh.cam.ac.uk or telephone 01223 338664
Karen Miles, Health & Wellbeing Nurse, joined St John's in early September and can be reached via K.Miles@joh.cam.ac.uk or telephone 01223 747162
The College Nurses are able to provide a listening ear, support and advise on a wide variety of physical, mental health and welfare problems. We will signpost to local services and advocate when required.
Any information given will be treated in strict medical confidence and will not be divulged to anyone (outside the Health & Wellbeing Centre) without your consent. Please note health records are kept electronically for use by Health & Wellbeing Centre staff only, if you would like to know more about this or opt out of electronic records please contact either nurse.
Virtual Clinic Times
Monday-Friday only via Moodle or email direct to the Nurse you wish to 'see'
For urgent issues please do consider the services in your area such as NHS 111, local GP/Doctor and other resources.
Emma is also the College's Disability Liaison Officer and should be your first port of call if you have a diagnosed disability or may require further support or information. Emma will work with the Disability Resource Centre, your GP, your Tutor and other members of College staff to ensure all the support available is offered.
If you are contacting either Nurse via email please note that a reply will only be made during usual working hours and there may be a delay in responding to emails because of clinical commitments.
If you need immediate or urgent advice please use the NHS 111 service, your GP or other appropriate services if overseas.
Emma Manuel direct telephone line: 01223 338664
Karen Miles direct telephone line: 01223 746271
(The answerphone is only accessed during working hours and if we are in clinic consultations there will be a delay in response)
NHS 111 Service Symptom Checker and information on Covid 19 / Coronavirus https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/
UK Government advice and guidance on Covid 19 / Cornoavirus (please check regularly for updated information)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please also see the main College Coronavirus pages for information such as FAQ's and how to report illness.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, wellbeing, mental health or emotional support is still available through the Nursing Team, College Counsellor or your Tutor however, if you would like to access services external to St John's there are several options. Please have a look at this document for further information and contact details of local and national resources. Resources for wellbeing and support
Other help
Location of first aid and emergency equipment in St John's College
The above map shows the location of first aid equipment, defibrillators, adrenaline auto Injectors (for anaphylaxis) and serious bleeding kits available in College. The College has identified key staff who have received first aid at work training and as such, should be able to give initial response to incidents when the above equipment may be required, a staff member may also offer advice on follow up care or seek further medical support depending on the preventing circumstances.
If you need medical advice when the Health & Wellbeing Centre is closed contact the Porters' Lodges (tel. 01223 338600) or your own GP Surgery.
If you need help when your GP Surgery is closed please call NHS 111 which is the NHS 24 hour health advice/management line. This service can assist with physical (option 1) and mental health issues (option 2, see below)
After a triage assessment they will be able to schedule emergency GP/Dental Appointments or direct you to other services as deemed appropriate.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please call the First Response Service via NHS 111 and select option 2 - this service is available 24/7 and is manned by skilled mental health professionals who can help you access appropriate assessment and treatment services in the local area.
For life threatening emergencies please call 999 and ensure you tell the porters if an ambulance attends College. The nearest A&E Emergency Department is located at Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge. This is for serious emergencies only such as; burns, stroke, heart attacks etc where there are risks of loss of life or limb.
Remember the Porters are on duty 24/7 and can offer a listening ear or assist you to access further help.
The University Counselling Service run group workshops each term and these may be particularly useful. Please see further information below.
https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/studentcouns/studentgroups
The University run Mindfulness Courses, available through each term.
The workshop topics are as follows:
The current timetable can be accessed online:
https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/welfare-and-wellbeing/mindfulness-cam
To book you must have a Raven ID and password, courses are very popular so do sign up quickly!
Confidentiality and record keeping
The Lead Clinical Nurse and Health & Wellbeing Nurse exercise their duty of confidentiality to all students and respects their right to privacy. Information shared with the Health & Wellbeing Centre staff is kept strictly confidential; as with all health care environments. Sharing information without consent would only occur in exceptional circumstances, on a 'need to know' basis; ideally we would ask your consent but there are certain circumstances when this may not be possible-such as: serious threat of harm to yourself or others, or if a serious crime has been committed.
Student health records are stored electronically* and processed in accord with current health and personal data protection regulations. For further information please see: https://www.rushcliff.com/hosted.php
*Within College only the Nursing Team can access the electronic health records. If you wish to opt out of electronic records please alert the Lead Clinical Nurse. Any hard copies of data will be stored securely in the Health & Wellbeing Centre for no longer than eight years before being destroyed.
Video consultations will be facilitated using Zoom. If you have any concerns regarding this please contact the Lead Clinical Nurse.
(Please note, the below applies to face to face consultations only and is therefore not relevant during the pandemic)
Chaperoning during consultations.
The Royal College of Nursing states that "All patients should have the right, if they wish, to have a chaperone present during an examination, procedure, treatment or any care irrespective of organisational constraints or settings in which this is carried out"
We support this and you are therefore welcome to bring someone with you to your consultation, or if both nurses are on duty it may be possible that both can be present during the consultation if requested. Please discuss any concerns you have with us.
Useful links and documents
Student Wellbeing pages, gives information and advice about the services in Colleges and Depts. Also featuring many common issues that students may face in their time at University: https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/
Health Information
Health Information
NHS 111 Service Symptom Checker and information on Covid 19 / Coronavirus
- UK Government advice and guidance on Covid 19 / Cornoavirus (please check regularly for updated information)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please see the St John's Coronavirus page for up to date support information and how to report symptoms
NHS Choices
- If you become unwell or are injured make sure you choose the right NHS service to make sure you get the best treatment. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/
Expert Self Care App
- The Expert Self Care Student App is a one stop guide to answering common student health questions within seconds:
- http://www.expertselfcare.com/health-apps/esc-student/
Meningitis Information
Every year in Cambridge there are cases of Meningitis, which is a life threatening infection. Please familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms and seek medical help immediately if you have concerns about yourself or someone else.
General Practitioners
ALL students studying in the UK for more than 6 months should register at a Doctors/General Practitioner Practice.
Please discuss with the College Nurse as soon as possible if you do not wish to register, or have any questions about the health service in the UK.
Once registered please inform student services of which practice you have chosen.
The following GP Surgeries are within a short distance of College:
- Newnham Walk Surgery (tel: 01223 366811)
- 56 Trumpington Street (tel: 01223 361611)
- Bridge Street Medical Centre (tel: 01223 652671)
- 1 Huntingdon Road (tel: 01223 364127)
You may register at any of the above practices.
Overnight and at weekends NHS 111 provide access to the out of hours' GP service and can be contacted on 111 or via your GP surgery's number. They are usually based at Chesterton Hospital, Union Lane. Please remember that this service is for conditions which cannot wait until your GP practice is open.
If you are feeling unwell it is a good idea to let the Porter’s Lodge know so that relevant help/people can be informed if necessary.
Local hospital
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge: (01223 245151). You may be referred here by your GP/Dr for clinics to see Specialist Doctors. It is not possible to self refer for these services.
- Accident & Emergency Department, Addenbrooke’s: (01223 217118). For acute life threatening accidents or conditions, see below.
A&E or 999
In an extreme emergency the nearest Accident & Emergency Department is at Addenbrooke's Hospital. An extreme emergency is a condition such as a suspected broken bone, road accident, a severe wound that requires stitching, suspected heart attack or any other life threatening condition. Please use this service appropriately!
To contact the emergency services (fire, police or ambulance) telephone 999. You should only call 999 in an emergency, state where you are, what the problem is and please alert the Porters of the emergency, to help deliver care and to ensure that the emergency services are promptly directed when necessary.
NHS Information
For information on health concerns, self-help and support organisations, local health services including finding a local NHS dentist.
- NHS 111 - a 24 hour NHS advisory
- NHS 111 - option 2 for a mental health crisis
Allergies/Anaphylaxis
If you have any allergies and require medication please alert the College Nurse of your diagnosis. A list of students with severe allergies (Anaphylaxis) is compiled by the College Nurse to ensure catering and First Aiders are aware of the potential risks of a life-threatening reaction.
The College stocks Auto-adrenaline injectors (AAI's) for emergency use only in the event of a Anaphylactic reaction. These are located in the Porters Lodges, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Boathouse, Playing fields and kitchen. College first aiders are trained to assist an individual in the use of these devices.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/
Defibrillators
The College has three Automated External Defibrillators for use in the event of a Cardiac arrest. These are located in the Forecourt Lodge, boathouse and playing fields.
Dentists
- NHS in England - Dentists
- For emergency dental care telephone 01223 723093 (weekdays only)
Disability
The DRC can offer a wide range of services for students and staff who identify with a disability. The DRC takes self referrals only via an online form. If you require further support before deciding to self-refer please talk to either Nurse or your Tutor.
Counselling and Mental Health
- University Counselling Service : 3 Bene't Place (01223 332865)
- Mind - a Mental Health charity: Helpline (0845 766 0163)
- Samaritans - 4 Emmanuel Road, Cambridge CB1 1JW: National Helpline (116 123)
- Nightline - 17 St Edwards Passage, Tel 01223 367575 7pm-7am nightly throughout term
- Headspace - https://www.headspace.com/
- Mindfulness at Clare College - http://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/Mindfulness-at-Clare/
- Mindfulness Based Stress reduction Therapy Intensive Course - http://www.cambridgebuddhistcentre.com/stress_and_pain/stress_reduction.php
Eating Disorders - for information and help
Foreign Travel Information
Physiotherapy and sports injuries
College employed Physiotherapist.
The College has a physiotherapist who holds a clinic on Thursdays in the Health & Wellbeing Centre (during term time only, 16.30-18.30) Students can book via Moodle or through one of the nurses in the Health & Wellbeing Centre. Payment is by cash only-direct to Luke. Staff and Fellows can also book to see Luke (charges are applicable and MUST be paid in cash directly to Luke, or treatment will be refused) Please contact either nurse for further information.
NHS Free Service.
Physio Direct is an NHS telephone self-referral service available to anyone registered with a Cambridge GP. If you have an acute or chronic joint or soft tissue problem ring 0300 555 0210 Monday-Friday 13.00-17.00. The physiotherapist will make a diagnosis and prescribe exercises over the phone (call usually takes 10-15 minutes). An appointment or follow up advice will be offered if necessary. Alternatively you can complete a self referral form available at your GP Surgery or via their website.
Private physiotherapists or chiropractors can also be found locally via a search engine.
Reflexology therapy-relax and mend
Reflexology can be used to treat specific conditions, but can also be used as a powerful form of preventative medicine to help maintain good health.Reflexology is gentle non-invasive and suitable for all ages and involves manipulation of the feet and lower legs. It is a recognised therapy under the NHS.
Visiting therapist, term time only
Lotus Synge RACM5 PMR BA (Hons) , is a qualified clinical Reflexologist. Lotus has received extensive training at the Reflexology Academy in London, and holds a level 5 Mastership in Clinical Reflexology. Lotus understands that talking about health and lifestyle issues may be difficult and that all information is confidential, under the usual rules of consent.
£40 per 45 minutes session, payable in cash direct to Lotus on the day. Open to all staff, fellows and students.
This therapy is held in C1 Chapel Court (please note, the sign on the door says S.Renshaw)
Sessions run on Tuesday afternoon/ evening and are bookable through Moodle or via a College Nurse.
Sexual Health and Contraception
For comprehensive information on sexual health and to book online sexual health appointments at: http://www.icash.nhs.uk/
- Family Planning Association
- PlayingSafely.co.uk
- Safe places map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z50iiJhBI-iI.k17np3YVt9fU
- Myths about Consent: http://www.womens.cusu.cam.ac.uk/consent
Websites for General Health Information and Advice
Stay Safe on a Night Out
This video contains useful advice about staying safe during a night out in Cambridge.
Cambridge is a relatively safe place, but usual precautions should be taken, particularly when travelling after dark.
- - Avoid travelling alone. Stay in groups or pairs and have a mobile phone with charge and credit with you.
- - Do not consume alcohol beyond your usual safe limits and if you are not used to drinking pace yourself and trust your instincts.
- - Plan your route before you leave.
- - Be aware of places you can drop in to if you feel unsafe-such as Porters Lodges, and public places. Please see map-a Bowler Hat indicates where a Lodge is, though bear in mind they may not all be open 24 hours a day. https://map.cam.ac.uk/
- - If you feel your drink may have been spiked, tell someone (ambulance, security or bar staff) and get help quickly-do not attempt to leave on your own.
- - IF YOU BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS INTOXICATED, HAS BEEN SPIKED OR TAKEN DRUGS VOLUNTARILY AND ARE UNABLE TO SELF CARE PLEASE CALL AN AMBULANCE OR IF IN COLLEGE CONTACT THE PORTERS.
- - Report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to College and/or the Police telephone 999 for an emergency, or 101 for non-emergency, Or anonymously through Crimestoppers via telephone 0800 555 111 https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
- - If you believe an incident or crime has occurred, but are not sure you want to report it to the police, talk to a non-judgemental professional as soon as possible-College Nurse, GP, Chaplain, Tutor or outside agency such as:
- Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) http://www.theelmssarc.org/
- Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre http://cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk/
- The University Counselling Service now has a dedicated Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor
College Counsellor
Covid-19: Changes to the College Counselling Service
Our College Counsellor, Susie Renshaw, is currently offering appointments via phone or video call. Appointments usually last between 30-50 minutes. Support is available for students both in the UK or abroad.
At the time of your appointment, please ensure you are in a confidential, quiet space to take the call. A room in College is available to book for your appointment, if needed.
To find out more or to book an appointment please email Susie at: s.renshaw@joh.cam.ac.uk or call 07593 139172.
College Counselling Service
The College Counsellor provides a free and confidential counselling service to all students at St John’s College.
Susie Renshaw is a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in accordance with the BACP's Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Counselling can be helpful for all kinds of difficulties and is available to help you with any personal or psychological issues which are having an impact on your ability to study or to make the most of student life.
The College Counselling Service is an additional service to the University Counselling Service (UCS) . UCS can offer a wider range of appointment times, is open during the vacations, and provides other options such as groups and workshops. All students can self-refer directly to UCS.
Availability
Susie is available during term-time on Mondays (8.30am to 4pm), Wednesdays (9.30am to 3pm), and Thursdays (9.30am to 3pm).
Appointments must be booked in advance. There are no ‘drop in’ appointments available.
How to make an appointment
Please read the College Counselling Service's Terms & Conditions. By emailing Susie, you are understood to be giving your explicit consent to these Terms & Conditions.
To arrange to meet with the College Counsellor, please email Susie to ask to arrange an appointment: s.renshaw@joh.cam.ac.uk.
When emailing, please let Susie know the times you can generally meet during the times shown above (see Availability). It is also helpful if you can let her know if you think you need to be seen urgently.
If you have any questions about the College Counselling Service, please don't hesitate to email Susie, or talk to your Tutor or one of the College Nurses.
Managing exams
Susie has put together a list of her Top 10 exam resources, including ways to get into the right mind set, tools for reducing stress and bedtime stories to help you sleep. Top 10 resources to manage exams
Other sources of support
If you need to speak to someone about a personal or psychological issue more urgently please either speak to your Tutor, one of the College Nurses, your GP, or try one of the organisations below.
- University Counselling Service
The University Counselling Service (UCS) is available to all University of Cambridge students. The UCS website also has lots of self-help information and advice as well as links to sources of help for a range of issues.
www.counselling.cam.ac.uk
- The Psychological Wellbeing Service
The Psychological Wellbeing Service (part of IAPT, an NHS initiative) can offer support to those aged 17 or over via a range of brief supported self-help and talking therapy options. You can self-refer to the service or ask to be referred by your GP.
www.cpft.nhs.uk/services/pws/psychological-wellbeing-service.htm
- First Response Service
This is an NHS service which offers urgent support for people in mental health or emotional crisis. It provides 24-hour access, seven days a week to mental health care, support and advice. Call 111, select option 2 and speak to a mental health professional.
www.cpft.nhs.uk/First%20Response%20A5%20Leaflet.pdf
- The Elms
The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers free support and practical help to anyone in Cambridgeshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence either recently or in the past.
Clients can refer themselves without having to involve the Police, it is not necessary for a report to have been made in order to access their services. Their service is completely confidential and you do not have to give any personal information in order to get help.
Tel: 0800 193 5434 (9am – 5pm)
Out of Hours Help Line: 0800 193 5434
theelms.sarc@nhs.net
www.theelmssarc.org
- The Samaritans
The Samaritans is available to anyone going through a difficult time or feeling distressed and needs someone to talk to.
Free 24-hour helpline: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org.uk
You can also visit the local Cambridge branch. More info at: www.samaritans.org/branches/cambridge-samaritans
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Nightline
Nightline is the night-time listening support and information service for Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities, run by students for students. Support available by telephone or Skype from 7pm to 7am any night of the CU full term. Their Instant Messaging service is available from 7pm to midnight.
Tel: 01223 744444
The Chaplain
The Chaplain of the College is The Rev'd Andrew Hammond.
Andrew is part of the primary welfare provision for the Junior Members of College, ie undergraduate and graduate students. He is available to all members and staff of college. He may be contacted at any time: either by calling at C2 North Court, or on 07917 535940.
Andrew’s approach is to be an utterly non-judgmental, wholly confidential listener. He will offer advice if that is sought. He is also very alert to situations where it is appropriate to offer referral to a mental health professional. He is available to everyone, whatever their religious convictions.
Brief biography
Andrew was an undergraduate at Clare College, and then worked in classical music for nearly twenty years: first as a singer, then in arts administration. He was ordained in 2007, and has worked in two London parishes and at St Paul’s Cathedral. Before coming to St John’s he was Chaplain at King’s College.
Spiritual Care
Andrew is a Church of England priest, so is happy to talk about any spiritual or religious matter. He also helps prepare people for baptism, confirmation and marriage.
Pastoral Care (Student Welfare)
The Dean & Chaplain supports the College welfare structures by offering college members someone who will listen to their concerns, help them examine situations, offer advice or signpost. Andrew has no expectation that those who see him will have religious or Christian commitments, all are very welcome.
Contact Details
Tel: 01223 338617
Internal tel: 38617
E-mail: ach71@cam.ac.uk
Address: C2 North Court
Student Unions
JCR (Student Union)
All junior members of College, including the Graduates, are members of the Junior Combination Room or JCR.
'JCR' also refers to the common room in 2nd Court, and is also a colloquial name for the JCRC, the committee that represents the JCR. The committe is elected in February and any undergraduates can stand for any position.
The JCR Committee are an elected body of students who represent undergraduates in College to the College authorities. They work to improve College for the students, and are always eager for students’ suggestions as to how this can be achieved. They also help play a role in looking after students with a Welfare and Equal Opportunities Officer, and they organise the Ents and Freshers week – a fun-packed week full of ice-breaking activities that help settle Freshers into College life!
The JCR has its own website at http://www.sjcjcr.com
SBR (Graduate Union)
The Samuel Butler Room is the name of the graduate union at St John's, as well as the name of the common room it looks after. The society is run by the graduate community of the College to promote social, intellectual and sporting activities for its members.
The rooms, close to the main entrance to the College, are for the exclusive use of all graduates and their guests. The rooms are used for social gatherings and as a common room for members. The SBR website can be found at http://sbr.soc.srcf.net/
