Email staff
Sometimes you may choose to take time off due to your mental health. We’ve put together this template to help you let your tutor know - feel free to pick the reason you’re most comfortable with disclosing.
Dear _____ ,
I am unable to attend teaching [today/this week] due to [feeling unwell/having to take time off to focus on my wellbeing/mental health].
Best wishes,
_____ .
Health Support
All RCA students have access to the NHS. Find available NHS services near you via their website. Most GPs offer routine as well as walk-in appointments. Please also be aware of walk-in health centers, where for a charge you can access medical care without registering with a GP.
If you are an International student, it is likely you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to register with the NHS. The UK’s health system allows all UK citizens equal access to the NHS. The IHS gives you the same access to the NHS as UK citizens.
Royal College of Art has partnered with Imperial College Health Centre to offer all students free medical services regardless of their postcode or catchment area. Visit the website for more info
Imperial College Health Centre
Mental Health First Aid
We have MHFA trained staff so that they can support fellow staff or students who are developing mental health problems, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. See the list of MHFA trained staff and find out more.
MHFA list
Contact student support
Student Support offers advice and support to all RCA students including; disability advice, learning difficulties support, counselling, mental health support, international student support, financial and housing support.
Book an appointment
Jennifer Springham is the Mental Health Coordinator, who can provide you with 1:1 support at College if you are experiencing mental health concerns, whether or not you have a diagnosis.
Crisis Support
Internal resources
Speak to a Mental Health First Aid trained staff member of RCA who you can identify by their wearing of a green Mental Health First Aid lanyard.
External resources
- Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment.
- If your GP surgery isn't open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 and they will help you access the right services.
- You can call Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, on 01865264168.
- You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night.
- Nightline are available overnight and can help students across London, call them on 02076310101.
- Victim Support offer free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. Also supports witnesses of crime. Tel: 0808 168 9111.
- You can call the LGBT+ helpline on 03003300630.
Quiet spaces for reflection and mindfulness
Should you need a quiet space or somewhere to partake in daily prayer on-site there is a room available within Student Support in Kensington. If you are in Battersea or White City, email Estates and Campus Operations for help finding a suitable space.
There are Mindfulness sessions in Student Support. As an RCA student, you can also access mindfulness sessions via the Imperial Chaplaincy Multi-Faith Centre.