Thursday 07-12-2023 - 10:16

As we reach the end of term, we want to say a huge well done for getting this far. This term has had its highs and challenges, but you all have impacted Durham this year in some way, whether you’ve reached out to a friend in need, campaigned for something you’re passionate about, or aced an assignment you were struggling with. And even if your biggest achievement this term was to make it to the end, that’s still something to be hugely proud of. 

The breaks can be hard to brave alone, especially in Durham. Speaking from personal experience. Between being burnt out from the end of term to friends leaving to go home, remaining in Durham can be quiet but shouldn't be lonely. Please take care of yourself, and feel free to reach out to me. I would also like to platform the work of Durham's Estranged and Care Experienced Association. You can join their group chat, and they are organising meet ups over the break! Follow them on Instagram to find out more.

Over Christmas, we hope you have a restful break. We will also take some time out at Durham SU over the holidays. Our building will be closed from Friday, 8 December and reopen on the 8 January. We hope that this closure will cause minimum disruption to students with the holidays underway.

The SU staff team will still be working and on hand for help if needed. We will, however, be taking some time off ourselves over the winter break between 22 December – 2 January. This means during this time, you will, unfortunately, be unable to reach many of us via email and our social media accounts. We will make sure to respond as soon as we can after our return. 

We appreciate that though the SU will be closed, you might still need a little help. Here are some ways you can get support over the holidays. 

How to get to support if… 

You’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing 

For many people, the holidays can be a really difficult time for a number of reasons. It’s completely normal to find yourself feeling worn out, sad, anxious, or any number of things. If these feelings become disruptive to your day-to-day life, however, then you might benefit from reaching out to one of the many different organisations who can help you. 

Find out how to get support for your mental health and wellbeing here.

You’re unsure about something in your studies 

Though the end of term is approaching, you may still have deadlines or be preparing work for next term. If you need academic support over the break, take a look at the options below. 

Find out how to get academic support here.

You’re looking for impartial advice and support 

The SU ASK Service will be closed from 22 December to 2 January, but you can continue to access our online resources during that time. Many of the resources signpost to external organisations that may still be operating over the holidays, which means you could still reach the help you need. 

Access the online Advice Hub here.

You’re staying in Durham, and you need to know what services are available

From financial support to the counselling and mental health service, find out what you can access from the University over the holidays.

Find out what support is available here.

You can also visit the University's dedicated support page here.

Additional Resources

The issues that students may face during the Christmas break come in all shapes and sizes. With that in mind, here are some additional resources.

Student Minds has created a dedicated space for students facing issues over the winter break. Student Space is accessible 24/7 throughout the holidays and is to help students navigate these difficulties and make their winter break less challenging, whatever your plans or circumstances.  

Visit BEAT for information and support on eating disorders during the Christmas period here.

Stand Alone supports people of all ages that become estranged or disowned from their family or key family members. You can visit their website here, which includes a guide for people struggling during Christmas.

The LGBT+ Foundation released an LGBTQ+ Guide to Surviving Christmas alone, which you can access here if you wish.