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UCL Alumni Wellbeing Service

This page gives details of wellbeing and support services provided by UCL for its alumni community, as well as signposting to external sources of advice and support.

In an emergency, always call emergency services (999 if you are in UK).

The UCL Alumni Wellbeing service

Telephone support

The service provides confidential, free mental health and wellbeing support over the phone at any time. They are also able to help direct you to further appropriate support both within and outside of UCL. The service is contactable 24 hours a day by telephone. Support can be requested in English or in your own language, if this is not English. Calls from the UK will be free. Outside of the UK, calls to this number will be charged at your local provider’s rates.

Alumni in the below locations will be able to access the telephone service via freephone numbers: 

  • UK: 0800 066 8100 

  • International (charges may apply depending on your current network provider): 00353 1518 0277 

Alternatively, you will be able to request a callback service via the digital wellbeing platform.

Please note that alumni based in the USA and Canada are advised to contact their local provider, Talkspace or Free Counselling Canada (see other sources of support available).

When calling in, please ensure to quote that you are calling to access the “UCL Alumni Wellbeing Service” so you are signposted to the correct support team.

Digital wellbeing platform and app 

In partnership with Spectrum.life, we are also offering alumni a digital wellbeing platform and app. Register on the Spectrum.life website to access hours of wellbeing content. There is support across a wide range of topics including: 

  • Wellbeing eLearning  
  • Self-guided meditation  
  • Wellbeing Podcasts
  • Digital fitness programmes 
  • Nutrition guides and recipes

To create an account: 

  1. Visit the UCL Alumni Wellbeing Service Spectrum.life web page 
  2. Click: “New here? Sign up!”  
  3. Insert “UCLALUM” as organisation code and your email address 
  4. Create a password and click “sign up” 

After you have created the account, you will be able access the platform via the web or the app. To download the app on a smartphone, simply search “Spectrum.life” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Drop-in sessions with a mental health specialist in-person or online, open to all alumni

From 3 February, alumni can join free, drop-in sessions with a mental health specialist on campus or online.

These sessions provide accessible, confidential, one-on-one support. They can help you to identify challenges, offer immediate support, and facilitate referrals to other services when required. Sessions offer a safe space to “unload,” receive practical support, and gain tools to navigate and overcome challenges. They also provide advice and information tailored to an individual's needs, recognising triggers of trauma or the impact of past traumatic experiences that can arise.

Please complete this form to be sent further information on the drop-in sessions.

In-person and online workshops

Alumni are able to attend the following workshops either in person or online, free of charge.

Stress management, resilience and difficult conversations

This is a 2-hour workshop providing strategies to manage stress and build resilience, sharing tools for maintaining wellbeing amid academic, interpersonal, and professional demands and developing skills to navigate difficult conversations, including sensitive disclosures and managing challenging behaviours.

Identifying and managing stress workshop

A 30-50min workshop delivered by UCL’s Workplace Health team which covers what stress is, signs and symptoms as well as types of stress. It is designed to equip you with techniques on how to manage stress and signpost to available support.

Please complete this form to be sent further information on the workshops.

Other sources of support (external to UCL)

Support available in the UK

BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist.

Rape Crisis provides information and advice. They also run a 24/7 support line and have a free online chat function.

Samaritans also run a 24/7 support line and have an online chat function.

Support available in the USA

Alumni in the USA who need support can contact Talkspace Therapy who can provide online therapy sessions. Please note that this is not a UCL service and you will need to ensure that your insurance covers Talkspace’s services.

Support available in Canada

Alumni in Canada can access support from the Free Counselling Society Canada, who provide free video or phone counselling to clients Canada-wide. They can provide counselling in a number of languages.

Advice for parents of alumni

If you are the parent of a UCL alum and are concerned about their wellbeing, please signpost them to the services above.