Worried about a friend?
You might be worried about a friend – perhaps you’ve noticed a change in their behaviour, they aren’t calling as often, they seem distracted or perhaps they are drinking lots more alcohol than normal? Suggestions of how to help:
• Tell them you’re concerned and why.
• Suggest they could get some help if they are in difficulty and offer to go with them if appropriate.
• Be a careful listener, don’t suggest what they should do help them figure things out for themselves.
• Suggest sources of help, UCLan Student Affairs Services, Counselling, Students' Union Advice Centre, The ‘i’, going to their GP, Wiser study skills, M&M mentoring, or Student Liaison Officers.
• You cannot make someone go for help if they don’t want it. You can only continue to let them know that you care and are concerned.
• Talk to someone yourself without naming your friend, if you are worrying a lot about the situation.
One of the videos on the Headroom homepage is all about how to help and support a friend.
