Student Finance and Wellbeing Study: Support Organisations

In addition to the organisations outlined below, colleges and universities have support available for students, and some have specialist teams in place. Talk to your student support team who can put you in touch with relevant staff who can provide support, advice and guidance on the services they provide.

You can also contact your students' association/student union, as they may be able to provide support, advice and guidance services of their own.

The following are funding organisations, charities or independent organisations that offer support and / or information.

Financial advice and support - to provide support

Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS):

administer funding in the form of student loans and non-repayable bursaries to those studying in higher education (at HNC/HND and degree level).
T: 0300 555 0505
W: https://www.saas.gov.uk/guides/estranged-students

Citizens Advice Scotland:

offer face-to-face, free, confidential advice across 60 sites. Online self-help information and support, including information on applying for available benefits and tax credits.
T: 0800 028 1456 (Mon-Friday 9am-5pm)
W: https://www.cas.org.uk/bureaux

Financial advice & support - to provide information only

National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland

The representative body of students at university or college in Scotland. They run campaigns of behalf of students and work with affiliated student unions.
E: mail@nus-scotland.org.uk
W: https://www.nus-scotland.org.uk/

Student Information Scotland (SIS):

provide help and support to students in Scotland
W: Student Information Scotland - Funding, Finance and Student Life

Save The Student:

For advice on student finances and links to useful information on the costs of studying
W: Save the Student - Student Money, Discounts and Jobs

Tailored support for students - to provide support

Hub for success:

Supports those who are care-experienced and plan to study in any colleges and universities in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
W: Contact - HUB for SUCCESS

Who Cares Scotland?

Provides support for care experienced people across Scotland
T: 0330 107 7540
E: help@whocaresscotland.org
W: Home - Who Cares? Scotland (whocaresscotland.org)

Lead Scotland:

provides a helpline and information for disabled students including free online guides related to disability and post school learning.
T: 0800 999 2568
W: LEAD Scotland - Linking Education and Disability » National Disabled Students’ Helpline and Information Service | LEAD Scotland – Linking Education and Disability

One Parent Families Scotland:

supports single parent families to achieve their potential, to reach a decent standard of living and contribute to Scottish society. Helpline available via the website.
W: Changing lives, challenging poverty - One Parent Families Scotland (opfs.org.uk)

Stand Alone:

offers digital therapeutic support groups and workshops for adults estranged from family members, as well as advice and support for estranged students on how best to access support in tertiary education.
W: https://www.standalone.org.uk/

Unite Foundations Scholarships:

offers scholarships covering accommodation and bills for up to 3 years (including the holidays) to care-experienced and estranged young people starting or currently in higher education and studying at specific universities.
T: 0117 302 7073
E: info@unitefoundation.org.uk
W: https://thisisusatuni.org/unite-foundation-scholarship/#tell-me-more

Tailored support for students - to provide information only

Carers Trust:

Offers information around the rights and support available for unpaid carers, including student carers, and provides information about finding local carer organisation support.
W: https://carers.org/

Mental health & wellbeing

The Samaritans:

confidential, non-judgemental, 24/7 phone and email support for those experiencing despair or distress.
T: 116 123
E: jo@samaritans.org (response time: 24 hours)
W: www.samaritans.org

Student Minds:

runs a peer support programme in which students can talk about their mental health and listen to each other without judgement. Also provides resources around coping with stress, finances, and maintaining good mental wellbeing.
W: https://www.studentminds.org.uk/

Student Space:

is a one-to-one support service for students, advising on mental health, your studies, money, housing and relationships. Also provide additional, tailored services to support specific student groups e.g. LGBTQ+; trans; ethnic minorities; Muslim students; those from working class backgrounds etc.
T: 0808 808 4994
E: students@themix.org.uk
W: www.studentspace.org.uk/support-services

Breathing Space:

provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
T: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon to Thur 6pm-2am, Fri to Mon 6pm-6am)
W: https://breathingspace.scot/

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH):

provides a range of support services across Scotland, including peer support, mental health outreach, and employability support and advice.
T: 0344 800 0550 (Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm)
E: info@samh.org.uk
W: https://www.samh.org.uk/